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Intracaval extension of pheochromocytoma simulating pulmonary embolism
Author(s) -
Dicke Timothy E.,
Henry Mitchell L,
Minton John P.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930340305
Subject(s) - pheochromocytoma , medicine , metanephrine , inferior vena cava , pulmonary embolism , radiology , abdominal ultrasonography , ultrasonography , surgery , pathology
Pheochromocytoma, a chromaffin tumor of the sympathoadrenal nervous system, rarely exhibits direct extension into the inferior vena cava. We report a patient with a right adrenal pheochromocytoma that caused symptoms of recurrent pulmonary emboli. Intracaval extension of the tumor was detected during investigations for the source of the emboli by abdominal CT scan, ultrasonography, and venocavagraphy. The biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by sharply elevated catecholamine, metanephrine, and VMA urinary levels, which returned to normal upon resection of the rumor. The patient had no evidence of metastatic disease.