Pheochromocytoma and secondary erythrocytosis: role of tumour erythropoietin secretion

Abstract

Certain neoplasias can induce unregulated erythropoietin (EPO) secretion which results in secondary erythrocytosis. Pheochromocytoma associated with erythrocytosis constitute a rare condition, where the secondary red cell abnormality is believed to be due to tumour EPO secretion. In one such case of pheochromocytoma related erythrocytosis, quantitative determination of serum EPO by enzyme immunoassay was combined with immunohistochemical examination of tumour tissue sections to locate the site of EPO secretion. EPO levels were initially high but decreased after tumour surgery, while immunolocalization showed EPO to be secreted by the neoplastic cells.