Five years experience with pheochromocytoma

Six cases of pheochromocytoma managed by the attending staff of the Hypertension Unit from 1979-1983 have been reviewed in detail. Although a very uncommon entity, this tumor represents a surgically correctable cause of hypertension and should be considered in any patient with the classical symptoms of hypertension, palpitations, hyperhidrosis and headache. However, patients with severe or paroxysmal hypertension, paradoxical responses to antihypertensive drugs, hyperglycemia or those whose initial presentation is that of a related disease (neurofibromatosis, medullary thyroid carcinoma, etc.) should also be screened for this tumor. Urine VMA and free catecholamines, plasma adrenaline/noradrenaline, CT scanning of the adrenal area and abdomen sometimes followed by arteriography are the investigative steps.