Journal of Jilin University Medicine Edition ›› 2015, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (05): 1027-1031.doi: 10.13481/j.1671-587x.20150530

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Pheochromocytoma with headache as first symptom: A case report and literature review

XU Lisi1, HE Jinting1, MANG Jing1, WANG Xueju2, WANG Liping2, NA Wanli3, SHAO Yankun1, XU Zhongxin1   

  1. 1. Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China;
    2. Department of Pathology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China;
    3. Department of Urinary Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
  • Received:2015-02-12 Published:2015-09-29

Abstract:

Objective To study the clinical manifestation and the diagnosis methods of one case of pheochromocytoma with headache as the first clinical feature. Methods The clinical symptoms were recorded;radio immunoassay was used to detect the active renin of the patient;chemiluminescence was used to detect the aldosterone level of the patient;high performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the levels of blood adrenaline and noradrenaline;CT was used to detect the adrenal gland;the tumor tissue was taken by operation and pathological examination and HE staining were performed. Results When the patient suffered serious headache,the levels of active renin,aldosterone and blood pressure were increased obviously.The CT results showed that the patient's left adrenal gland had a quasi-circular low density.On the CT enhanced scan image, the tumor appeared inhomogeneous enhancement on artery phase.There were transparent and eosinophil cells arranged in a prominent nesting pattern and bundles with obvious bleeding and necrosis and also there were some heterocysts. Conclusion Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing endocrine tumor and a reliable diagnosis can be made by combining the clinical information,biochemical testing,imaging examination and pathology.

Key words: pheochromocytoma, headache, hypertension

CLC Number: 

  • R739.41