Phaeochromocytoma with central nervous system manifestations.
A 35-year-old Samoan male presented with intermittent headaches and hypertensive episodes for several months. A subsequent left adrenal gland phaeochromocytoma was discovered and surgically excised. An MRI of his brain demonstrated periventricular, basal ganglia, and centrum semi-ovale infarction. We suggest that catecholamine excess and neuropeptide Y may contribute to intracerebral haemorrhage and infarcts associated with phaeochromocytomas. Additionally, our surgical approach in removing the phaeochromocytoma is discussed.
Eclavea
A
A
Tripler Army Medical Centre, Department of Radiology, Hawaii, USA.
Gagliardi
J A
JA
Jezior
J
J
Burton
B
B
Donahue
J P
JP
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis