phaechromocytoma

Question 1

what is a phaechromocytoma

Answer 1

a tumour of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal glands that produce excessive amounts of adrenaline

Question 2

what type of hormone is adrenaline

Answer 2

a catecholamine hormone

Question 3

what does adrenaline do

Answer 3

its a neurotransmitter that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for flight or flight response

Question 4

how is adrenaline secreted by a phaechromocytoma

Answer 4

in bursts giving periods of worse symptoms by more settled periods

Question 5

which genetic variation is a phaechromocytoma associated with

Answer 5

MEN 2

Question 6

diagnosis of phaechomocytoma

Answer 6

• 24 hour urine catecholamines

- plasma free metanephrines

Question 7

which diagnostic test is more reliable and why

Answer 7

metanephrines as they have a longer half life which makes them less prone to dramatic fluctuations so more reliable

Question 8

presentation of phaechromocytoma

Answer 8

• anxiety
• sweating
• headache
• hypertension
• palpitations, tachycardia and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Question 9

management for phaechromocytomas

Answer 9

• alpha blockers
• beta blockers once established on alpha blockers
• adrenalectomy to remove tumour is definitive management