[An autopsy case of extra-adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma].
An autopsy case of an extra-adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma in a 34-year-old woman is reported. On laparotomy, many advanced stage malignant tumors originating from the paraganglia along the abdominal aorta were found to have invaded the lumbar vertebrae. After a partial resection, Co60 radiation therapy of the paraganglia was instituted, as well as of the metastatic lesions, with little effect. It was found that alpha-methyl-tyrosine was effective in controlling the plasma catecholamine, but had to be discontinued because of an untoward effect (anxiety). The patient subsequently developed intractable hypertension and a paralytic ileus from excess catecholamine secretion. As an alpha 1 adrenergic blocker was not effective, we had to use large doses of phentolamine to control these complications. Despite various intensive therapies, however, the patient died of heart failure resulting from 4 years of severe hypertension.
Sunaga
Y
Y
2nd. Dept. of Internal Med., Kansai Med. Univ.
Taniguchi
N
N
Hayashi
K
K
Koito
M
M
Inada
M
M
Oyaizu
N
N
Shikata
N
N
D000328:Adult; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008781:Methyltyrosines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010220:Para-Aortic Bodies; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D019805:alpha-Methyltyrosine
D002395:Catecholamines; D008781:Methyltyrosines; D019805:alpha-Methyltyrosine; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase