Primary retroperitoneal extraadrenal pheochromocytoma / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary retroperitoneal extraadrenal pheochromocytoma(PREAP). Methods Clinical data of 17 cases with PREAP from 1976 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Results It was not difficult for the diagnosis of PREAP based on the primary symptoms, including paroxysmal hypertension or persistent hypertension. PREAP is usually deep, large and invading on adjacent organs. B-uhrasound was used for preliminary screening. CT and MRI with high soft tissue resolution and multi directional imaging are of great value for correct diagnosis and determination of exact extent of the tumor in diagnosis of PREAP. 24 h urinary VMA output imcreased in 12 cases (92. 3%) and urinary catecholamine level was up to 526. 1 μg- Precise location of PREAP by 123I-MIBG is superior to that by 131I-MIBG. The diagnosis was tentative in 4 cases and definite in 13 cases. Complete tumor resection was achieved in 15 cases, among them 2 cases died on table due to inadequate preparation before surgery in 1970's. In the remaining 2 cases with huge tumors partial resection, silver clips were put in during operation to locate the extent of the tumors for further management after operation. Conclusions Locating and qualitative diagnosis before operation are valuable and once the patients are diagnosed as PREAP, they should receive exploratory laparotomy after an adequate preparation.