Largest pheochromocytoma reported in Canada: A case study and literature review

Abstract

Most giant pheochromocytomas do not present with classic symptoms, as documented by published case reports. Given this, clinicians have to consider a wide differential diagnosis for any retroperitoneal mass and perform screening tests to rule out a pheochromocytoma. We describe the largest pheochromocytoma reported in Canada, where the patient presented with a palpable abdominal mass and dyspnea. The 19 × 18 × 12-cm right retroperitoneal mass was biochemically active and was radiologically and pathologically consistent with a giant pheochromocytoma. We present this case and review the relevant current literature.

Fig. 1a.

Large mass on computed tomography scan (coronal section).

Fig. 1b.

Large mass seen on computed tomography scan (axial section).

Fig. 2.

123I radiotracer distribution (anterior view).

Fig. 3.

Intraoperative open resection.