Case Report: A giant but silent adrenal pheochromocytoma - a rare entity

Abstract

Herein we report a rare entity of a giant adrenal pheochromocytoma in a fifty-year-old male presenting with a vague abdominal pain. A computerised tomogram of the abdomen revealed a well-defined left supraadrenal giant lesion with no evidence of invasion to surrounding structures.The patient underwent surgical excision without any untoward postoperative events. Histopathological study revealed a benign pheochromocytoma. This report highlights the importance of acknowledging the fact that sometimes a giant adrenal pheochromocytoma can present with paucity of clinical signs and symptoms.Thorough investigations and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead to a better outcome in these patients.

Keywords: Giant; benign; pheochromocytoma; silent.

Figure 1.. CT images showing the giant suprarenal lesion abutting the spleen but with no invasion of the kidney or the renal vein.

Figure 2.. Cut specimen of the excised lesion showing areas of scattered hemorrhages.

Figure 3.. Histopathology revealing characteristic zellballen nests of cells separated by fibro vascular stroma.