ABSTRACT
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type IIa, manifesting as an autosomal dominant trait, consists of medullary thyroid carcinoma, parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia, and pheochromocytoma. We report our experience of a 42-year-old woman, MEN type IIa with a large bilateral pheochromocytoma, who underwent one-stage bilateral tumor resection under a combined continuous epidural technique with 0.25 per cent bupivacaine and general anesthesia using vecuronium, fentanyl, nitrous oxide, and isoflurane. An initial intra-operative hypertensive response was acceptably controlled by nitroprusside and a beta-blocker but during tumor handling the hypertensive crisis worsened and she developed acute pulmonary edema despite a continuing high dose of nitroprusside infusion. After receiving intermittent i.v. MgSO4 up to 3 g in 15 min, her condition gradually improved and the cardiovascular response was under control throughout the period of tumor handling. Hypotension encountered post-pheochromocytoma resection was treated by volume replacement, metaraminol, CaCl2, and dopamine infusion. The patient's post-operative course was uneventful.