A rare case of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma localized to the ovary and detected via abdominal computed tomography angiography.

Hui Liu,Yi-Gang Pei,Xiao-Yi Wang,Chang-Yong Chen,Yong-Bin Hu,Wen-Zheng Li,Xue-Yin Long

doi:10.3892/ol.2014.2718

Abstract

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas are rare tumors that originate from the chromaffin tissue of the sympathetic nervous system. Ovarian extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma is even more rare. The present study reports a rare case of an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma that was localized to the right ovary, but was gynecologically asymptomatic. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) detected the tumor and indicated that it was well defined, highly vascularized and obtained its blood supply from the right ovarian artery. This is the second case of ovarian extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma reported in the literature, and the first description of the CTA manifestations in the ovary. Gynecologists and radiologists should consider the possibility that an ovarian mass could be an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, which would allow time to prepare appropriately for the surgical removal of the mass.

Highlights

Pheochromocytomas are functional or non‐functional tumors of the sympathetic nervous tissue [1]
The present study reports an extra‐adrenal pheochromocytoma that was localized to the ovary, presented as gynecologically asymptomatic and was detected via computed tomography angiography (CTA)
The majority of extra‐adrenal pheochromocytomas are located in the uterus, retroperitoneum, lumbar spine, bladder, ocular orbit, heart and mediastinum [4,5,6,7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Pheochromocytomas ( known as paragangliomas) are functional or non‐functional tumors of the sympathetic nervous tissue [1]. Extra‐adrenal pheochromocytomas are rare tumors that originate from the chromaffin tissue of the sympathetic nervous system [3]. A right ovarian tumor was found, and no dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm was detected. For the past seven years she had experienced sustained hypertension, with the highest blood pressure recorded being 200/100 mmHg. The patient had not taken any medication to treat the hypertension until one month prior to the present hospital visit for abdominal pain. Abdominal CTA showed a well‐defined 5.2x5.7x4.0‐cm tumor in close proximity to the right ovary (Fig. 1A‐D). The patient was diagnosed with ovarian extra‐adrenal pheochromocytoma. The patient's blood pressure stabilized to 115/95 mmHg, with no significant fluctuations, and abdominal pain was no longer experienced

Discussion

Tavassoli FA