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. 2011 Jun;40(2):295-311, vii.
doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2011.02.002.

Hypertension in pheochromocytoma: characteristics and treatment

Samuel M Zuber  1 , Vitaly Kantorovich, Karel Pacak
Affiliations

Hypertension in pheochromocytoma: characteristics and treatment

Samuel M Zuber et al. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic paraganglia, which synthesizes and secretes catecholamines. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine all act on their target receptors, which causes a physiologic change in the body. High circulating levels of catecholamines can lead to severe hypertension and can have devastating effects on multiple body systems (eg, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular), and can lead to death if untreated. Although surgical treatment represents the only modality of ultimate cure, pharmacologic preoperative treatment remains the mainstay of successful outcome.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Diagram illustrating biosynthesis of the three major catecholamines that are secreted by pheochromocytomas. DOPA, dihydroxyphenylalanine; PNMT, phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase. Data from Eisenhofer G, Lenders JWM, Pacak K. Biochemical Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma. In: Lehnert H, ed. Pheochromocytoma. Pathophysiology and Clinical Management. Front Horm Res. Vol 31. Basel: Karger; 2004:76-106.
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