Pheochromocytoma

Patients with hypertension due to pheochromocytoma have high levels of plasma catecholamines. A convenient mnemonic for the symptoms are the "Ps": pallor, perspiration, palpitations, postural hypotension and pain; both headaches and abdominal. In addition, polyuria, and polydypsia can occur.

In patients with pheochromocytoma, hypertension is sustained in fifty percent of the cases. The tumor is malignant in ten percent. It is important to rule out pheochromocytoma, because the associated hypertension is typically severe and is potentially curable by surgical excision of the adrenal tumor. In patients suspected of pheochromocytoma, the initial test usually carried out is the measurement of urinary metanephrine, a catecholamine metabolite.