Phaeochromocytoma with central nervous system manifestations

Australas Radiol. 1997 Nov;41(4):373-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.1997.tb00737.x.

Abstract

A 35-year-old Samoan male presented with intermittent headaches and hypertensive episodes for several months. A subsequent left adrenal gland phaeochromocytoma was discovered and surgically excised. An MRI of his brain demonstrated periventricular, basal ganglia, and centrum semi-ovale infarction. We suggest that catecholamine excess and neuropeptide Y may contribute to intracerebral haemorrhage and infarcts associated with phaeochromocytomas. Additionally, our surgical approach in removing the phaeochromocytoma is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology*
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis