Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytoma March 6, 1997

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytoma March 6, 1997

The pheochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla is the primary site for producing catecholamines. Catecholamines include substances such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, which generally cause vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. Consequently, patients may exhibit the following symptoms: paroxysmal hypertension, paroxysmal shock (hypotension), heart failure, arrhythmia, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal necrosis, bleeding, perforation, high fever, elevated blood sugar, and ketoacidosis. The mainstay of treatment is adrenergic blocking agents, which counteract catecholamines. Alpha-blockers include phentolamine, 1 mg added to 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for intravenous drip; beta-blockers include propranolol, 20 mg taken three times daily by mouth.