Pseudocystic pheochromocytoma associated with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Case report.
The authors report a case of a large pseudocystic pheochromocytoma, which initially was operated on and histologically diagnosed as a pancreatic pseudocyst. After recurrence, a multilocular cystic tumor was found both by ultrasonography and CT. ERCP demonstrated a cut-off of the pancreatic duct. Re-operation revealed a cystic adrenal tumor anastomosed to the stomach. The operation was complicated by a hypertensive crisis and a subsequent subendocardial infarction. In the preoperative period the patient had continuous diarrhea and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis was demonstrated by double contrast barium enema. The pneumatosis disappeared within three months but a recurrent tumor appeared. The importance of CT in the preoperative work-up of upper abdominal lesions is emphasized, as atypical cystic masses may cause differential diagnostic problems in surgery or even in localized biopsies, while CT would give a better overall view of the tumor.
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010192:Pancreatic Pseudocyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011006:Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / Q000150:complications*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed