Acta Médica del Centro (Oct 2013)
Bilateral pheochromocytoma: report of a patient
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas are sympathetic nervous system tumors that develop from the chromaffin cells and which are characterized by excessive production of catecholamines. In 85% of cases, they are found in the adrenal medulla and the remaining 15% are extraadrenal. The case of a young black man is reported. He had a history of severe bronchial asthma, high levels of blood pressure, refractory to treatment, and intense abdominal pain. Tumor masses similar to bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma were shown by ultrasound and computed tomography. The Pathology Department confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral benign pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent surgery and had a successful progress.