Intrapericardial pheochromocytoma.
In a 34-year-old man with hypertension and increased urinary catecholamine excretion for 12 years, an m-[131I]iodobenzylguanidine scan and chest computed tomography located an intrapericardial pheochromocytoma in the left atrium. The tumor was excised through a left thoracotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. At 34-month follow-up, blood pressure and urine catecholamine levels were normal. In the 15 cases of intrapericardial pheochromocytoma treated by resection reported in the literature, all 11 survivors were symptom-free except 1 who had residual left atrial tumor and multiple skeletal metastatic lesions. Computed tomography directed by the m-[131I]iodobenzylguanidine scan can be used for detailed location of the tumor. Appropriate surgical approach and use of cardiopulmonary bypass are critical in the resection of these highly vascular tumors.
Chang
C H
CH
Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Lin
P J
PJ
Chang
J P
JP
Shieh
M J
MJ
Lee
M C
MC
Huang
H S
HS
Kuo
T T
TT
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed