Recurrent Pheochromocytoma in an Elderly Patient

Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Jun 26;56(6):316. doi: 10.3390/medicina56060316.

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can affect people of all ages and are commonly diagnosed in the 4th and 5th decades of life. Familial pheochromocytomas are diagnosed mostly between the 2nd and 3rd decades of life. They can be benign or metastatic and often present as isolated tumors or along with other neuroendocrine syndromes. We present a case of an elderly man who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma at the age of 60 years but developed recurrence of metastatic pheochromocytoma after ten years. We also conducted a literature review to understand the epidemiology and presentation of the tumor and to emphasize that there should be a low threshold of suspicion for timely diagnosis and management of recurrent pheochromocytoma.

Keywords: Pheochromocytoma; neuroendocrine tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units / organization & administration
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / genetics
  • Pheochromocytoma / physiopathology
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Stroke / genetics

Supplementary concepts

  • Islet cell tumor syndrome