The peripheral blood flow in a case of adrenal pheochromocytoma before and after operation

Abstract

1. (1) Using a method which Stewart and Jack 4 and Stewart and Evans 5, 6 employed previously, measurements were made of the peripheral blood flow, and certain other data were collected, on a patient with an adrenal pheochromocytoma, before operation and at intervals for one year afterward. 2. (2) Before operation, at a time when the basal metabolic rate was high, there was a marked relative decrease in the peripheral blood flow in c.c./M 2/min. After operation the basal metabolic rate fell to normal, and an increase in peripheral blood flow occurred. The decreased peripheral blood flow before operation was attributed to hyperadrenalemia. 3. (3) The circulation time was shorter before operation than afterward. 4. (4) The low average skin temperature and the high rectal temperature before operation were interpreted as being brought about by decreased peripheral blood flow and vasoconstriction, with resulting inefficiency in heat loss and increased heat storage. As an explanation for the periods of marked sweating, these observations suggest that the organism increased heat loss by the cooling effect of evaporation. After operation the skin and rectal temperatures returned to normal. 5. (5) No definite relationship was observed between the temperature of the hands and feet and average skin temperature during any of the observations. On the other hand, all temperatures rose after operation. 6. (6) The blood pressure and pulse rate were markedly elevated at first and returned to normal after operation.