Retroperitoneal Malignant Pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Introduction: the most common and best-known neoplasm of the adrenal medulla is benign pheochromocytoma, which can be defined as a paraganglioma of the adrenal medulla, which may secrete catecholamine of the types of norepinephrine, epinephrine, or both. Clinical case: a 36-year-old, white race, female patient with a health history, assessed for a non-irradiated lumbar pain, which was spontaneously relieved, a blood pressure of 170/100 mm Hg at admission, the ultrasound reported the presence of a retroperitoneal tumor, the surgical exeresis of the tumor was performed, during the trans-operative stage the patient suffered from hemodynamic instability, hypotension, tachycardia and cardio-respiratory arrest, which was managed to her recovery. The patient dies in the first 6 hours as a consequence of a postoperative shock. Conclusions: malignant pheochromocytoma constitutes only 10 % of these types of neoplasm, being an infrequent tumor in our environment; its report was significant to be presented. The diagnosis was made by histological study, considering malignant pheochromocytoma. A clinical case of adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma was reported, with the intention of contributing to the acquisition of a better management in relation to this type of neoplasm.

Keywords

• neoplasias retroperitoneales/cirugía
• feocromocitoma/diagnóstico
• paraganglioma
• células cromafines/ultraestructura
• complicaciones peroperatorias.