title: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction as a complication of paragangliomas: case report and literature review.
abstract: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare and relatively unknown complication of phaeochromocytoma÷ paraganglioma (PCC÷PGL). Its pathophysiology can be explained by the hypersecretion of catecholamines, which may reduce the peristaltic activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, this can result in chronic constipation, intestinal pseudo-obstruction or even intestinal perforation. We conducted a comprehensive literature search and retrieved 34 cases of pseudo-obstruction caused by either benign or malignant PCC÷PGL. We also included a case from our centre that has not been described earlier. We conclude that intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of PCC÷PGL. Intravenous administration of phentolamine is the most frequently described treatment when surgical resection of the PCC÷PGL is not feasible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Osinga
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Kerstens
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: van der Klauw
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Koornstra
authors.forename: B H R
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Wolffenbuttel
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Links
authors.forename: A N A
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: van der Horst-Schrivers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D018450:Disease Progression; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010236:Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D013385:Succinate Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D013385:Succinate Dehydrogenase