pheochromocytoma

Question 1

define phaeochromocytoma

Answer 1

Tumour of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla releasing excess catecholamines (adrenaline).

Question 2

what is adrenaline and where is it released?

Answer 2

Adrenaline is a catecholamine that is released from the chromaffin cells in the Adrenal medulla.

Question 3

what is adrenaline involved in?

Answer 3

It is involved in the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 4

describe the pathophysiology behind phaemochromocytoma

Answer 4

Phaeochromocytoma is where a tumour of the chromaffin cells begins to secrete excessive amounts of catecholamines.

Question 5

what is phaeochromocytoma commonly associated with?

Answer 5

It is commonly associated with the genetic disorders MEN 2, Neurofibromatosis type 1 and Von Hippel Lindau disease.

Question 6

what are the signs of pheochromocytoma?

Answer 6

-Hypertension
-Hypertensive Retinopathy
-Tachycardia

Question 7

what are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?

Answer 7

These symptoms range in severity depending on how much adrenaline is secreted.

-Palpitations
-Anxiety
-Sweating
-Headache
-Tremor

Question 8

how is phaeochromocytoma treated/ managed?

Answer 8

A-lpha Blocker
B-eta Blocker
S-urgical Removal of tumour

Question 9

How is phaeochromocytoma diagnosed?

Answer 9

Plasma-Free Metanephrines- This test is GOLD STANDARD.

-24 Hour Metanephrines

-CT Abdomen and Pelvis

-Genetic Testing

Question 10

describe the plasma free metanephrines test used for diagnosing phaeochromocytoma

Answer 10

-Metanephrines are a breakdown product of adrenaline.
- It is more reliable to measure metanephrines instead of adrenaline as they have a longer half-life whereas adrenaline has a shorter half-life.