Malignant pheochromocytoma with hepatic metastasis diagnosed 10 years after a resection of the primary incidentaloma adrenal lesion: report of a case

Surg Today. 2001;31(1):80-4. doi: 10.1007/s005950170227.

Abstract

A 40-year-old woman developed hepatic tumors 10 years after a resection of pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland. Computed tomography showed a round tumor measuring about 35mm in diameter at segment V of the liver (Couinaud's classification), and magnetic resonance imaging showed another tumor measuring about 5mm at segment V-VIII of the liver. The results of the endoscopic examination of her upper gastrointestinal tract and barium enema were normal. Owing to a suspected hepatic metastasis of malignant pheochromocytoma, a right lobectomy of the liver was performed. Postoperatively, [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigram and computed tomography showed no other residual tumors nor metastasis. The present case suggests that a long-term follow-up only by endocrinological examinations is insufficient to find newly developed metastatic foci, while routine diagnostic imaging at frequent intervals is necessary in cases of pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hepatectomy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / secondary*
  • Time Factors