Giant malignant cystic pheochromocytoma: a case report

Abstract

Cystic malignant pheochromocytomas are uncommon. Differing from solid pheochromocytomas, which produce catecholamines and present adrenergic syndrome, cystic pheochromocytomas, may not produce these. Preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. Ct scan is useful for preoperative management. In this report, we describe a case of a giant malignant cystic pheochromocytoma in a young woman (17 years old) which presented as giant abdominal mass. The malignancy was confirmed by the presence of liver metastasis. Two years after curative resection, the patient is in good health with no recurrence.

Keywords: Adrenalectomy; Chemotherapy; Malignant Pheochromocytoma; Neuroendocrine tumors.

Fig. 1

CT scan showing a giant pheochromocytoma pushing the veina cava and the rignt hepatic lobe

Fig. 2

CT Scan with intraarterial injection of contrast revealing a huge rignt pheochromocytoma, with peripheral contrast enhancement and cystic, necrotic and calcifications components