title: Transthoracic echocardiographic features of cardiac pheochromocytoma: a single-institution experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cardiac pheochromocytoma is extremely rare. Previous papers usually are reports of a single case. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) offers a useful option, but the features of cardiac pheochromocytoma on TTE have not been favorably reported. In this study, the findings of cardiac pheochromocytoma on TTE in nine cases were presented.
  
  
  METHODS
  TTE images (especially two-dimensional ultrasound) of nine patients with cardiac pheochromocytomas were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the findings from surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the nine patients with cardiac pheochromocytomas identified in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) clinical and echocardiographic database, TTE identified one cardiac tumor in seven cases (77.8%), two cardiac tumors in one case (11.1%), and a false-negative result in another (11.1%). Cardiac pheochromocytomas were usually located on the base of the heart, near the origin of great arteries. The tumors were usually round or ovoid, ranging from 1.4 cm to 7.7 cm in diameter, with homogeneous and moderate echoes and low activity. They could press or invade surrounding cardiac structures and influence hemodynamics. In this study the majority of cardiac pheochromocytoma seemed marginated and appeared to be encapsulated on TTE. Apical four-chamber view and parasternal short-axis view of the aortic valve were most effective in identifying cardiac pheochromocytomas. The findings on TTE were similar to those from surgical procedures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cardiac pheochromocytomas presented characteristic TTE appearances in aspect of location, size, texture, and shape of tumors. Understanding of these characteristics on TTE can help correctly recognize this extremely rare disease.
authors: Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
authors: Ling
authors: L
authors: Li
authors: Wenling
authors: W
authors: Zhu
authors: Ligang
authors: L
authors: Fang
authors: Zhengpei
authors: Z
authors: Zeng
authors: Qi
authors: Q
authors: Miao
authors: Chaoji
authors: C
authors: Zhang
authors: Quan
authors: Q
authors: Fang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult