Multifocal pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma in a 29-year-old woman with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Multifocal pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma presenting at an early age is commonly associated with a hereditary syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of multifocal pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Interestingly, her family history did not include pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, and comprehensive genetic testing for the well-documented pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma susceptibility genes was negative. Of note, this patient had a history of a complex cardiac defect resulting in cyanotic congenital heart disease and had never undergone operative repair. Thus she lived in a chronic hypoxic state with a baseline oxygen saturation of about 80%. Laboratory evaluation found marked increases in plasma norepinephrine and normetanephrines with normal epinephrine and metanephrines. Imaging revealed 4 aortocaval masses and a right adrenal mass. After appropriate preoperative preparation she underwent successful resection of each of the neoplasms, with pathologic testing revealing multifocal pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. DISCUSSION: This case highlights a growing recognition of the potential development of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The underlying pathophysiology and phenotypic similarities between pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease and those with mutations that lead to cellular pseudohypoxia are reviewed.

Systemic and pulmonary artery aneurysms in incomplete Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis that can cause coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) in up to 25% if left untreated. Rarely, aneurysms of systemic arteries of all sizes have been reported to occur. The incidence of systemic artery aneurysms (SAA) with typical KD can be as high as 2.2%. Incomplete KD with SAA is not well described. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy with incomplete KD, giant CAA, diffuse SAA, and pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAA). The patient presented with fever, malaise, abdominal pain, maculopapular, rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. Echocardiogram showed multiple giant CAA. By angiography, diffuse ectasia and aneurysms of most medium-sized arteries throughout the body were noted including the lobar pulmonary artery branches. Incomplete KD was suspected. The patient was treated with intravenous gammaglobulin, methylprednisolone, and high-dose aspirin. Due to the systemic vasculitis, he also received cyclophosphamide. The patient's clinical symptoms improved. Anticoagulation with warfarin was maintained. The patient remains asymptomatic three years later but with progressive CAA and stable SAA. The PAA caused no symptoms and resolved after the acute phase. Incomplete KD can manifest with CAA and SAA. This is the first report of PAA associated with KD. Surveillance for PAA in KD must be considered. .

Cardiac fibroma in an infant: single ventricle palliation as a bridge to heart transplantation.

A prenatal echocardiogram revealed a large right ventricular mass. Following birth, there was obstruction to pulmonary blood flow and cyanosis. The tumor's size and location prevented resection. The patient underwent "single ventricle palliation," including placement of a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt as a newborn. This palliation served as a successful bridge to heart transplantation at 7 months of age. Pathologic examination revealed cardiac fibroma.