[Pheochcromocytoma, report of 10 cases]

ABSTRACT

The pheochromocytoma is a rare endocrine tumor, issued from the chromaffine surrenalian or extra-surrenalian tissue. We report a retrospective study of 10 cases of pheochromocytoma collected during a period 3 years. Our study concerned 3 men and 7 women, with an average age of 32, 5 years. Revealing symptomatology was dominated by an arterial hypertension [8 cases]. The triad of Menard [headaches, sweating and palpitations] was found in 6 cases. The biological assessment found a rise in the urinary catecholamine. Complementary exams [ultrasonography, tomodensitometry, magnetic resonances] were usefull for the location of the tumor. The adenalectomy realised by transperitoneal under costal way was realised in all the cases. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of neuroectodermic origin. The clinical and biological presentations depend on the importance of the hypersecretion of catecholamines. The treatment is surgical. The objective of this study is to insist on the rarity of this pathology, the diagnostic difficulties, the severity of this pathology and curability of the benign forms