Current features of clinical picture and diagnostics of pheochromocytoma

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Background. Taking into consideration new data on the increased detectability and more exact diagnostic methods, revision of classical ideas of clinical picture and criteria of diagnostics of a pheochromocytoma (Ph) is required. Aim. To study current features of clinic manifestation, results of instrumental methods and factors, which influence on treatment efficiency of patients with confirmed diagnosis of Ph. Matherials and methods. There were studied 9 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of P (1 man 56 years old; 8 women who were 37.6 ± 5.5 years old). Next parameters were evaluated: presence of arterial hypertension (AH), specific features of P (sympathetic attack); indications for screening of Ph, the time from the appearance of indications for screening till the laboratory confirmed diagnosis, characteristics of CT (native density, size, contrast washout, specific features (cystic, heterogeneous structure with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage)), features of preoperative preparation, presence of intraoperative complications, efficiency of the surgery. Used descriptive statistics were percentage, mean M, standard deviation SD and 95% confidence interval CI. Results. AH was presented in 6 patients (67%), among whom 4 patients had specific features which indicated symptomatic AH. These 4 patients had the classic triad of Ph (44%). Indications for screening of Ph in 4 patients were specific features of Ph (time from screening indication appearance till laboratory confirmed diagnosis was 41 ± 14 mnths. (95% CI 18;63), in other 5 - adrenal incidentaloma (AI) (time from the detection of AI until the laboratory confirmed diagnosis was 13 ± 9 days (95% CI 2; 24). CT characteristics were the next: native density - 49,9 ± 12,8 HU (95% CI 40; 59,7), lesion size - 5,4 ± 1,8 cm (95% CI 4; 6,7), contrast washout - 30,1 ± 11,1 HU (95% CI 21,6; 38,6). Only 2 patients had so called specific CT features. All patients received adequate preoperative preparation with alpha-blockers. There were no any specific intraoperative complications in all cases. After surgery metanephrine and normetanephrine were within reference range. Conclusions. 1/3 of patients with Ph had not clinical manifestations. Specific CT features presented in a smaller percentage. The success of surgery entirely depends on adequate preoperative prescription of alpha-blockers.