Phaechromocytoma

Exam Cram

• Phaeochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumour producing excess adrenaline

• Presentation: headaches, palpitations, collapse, anxiety, weight loss, tachycardia

• Ix: 24hr urinary catecholamines, CTAP +/- MRI or MIBG to localize source

• Mx: phenoxybenzamine (alpha blocker) prior to surgical resection

Med Reg Notes

Falsely elevated Metanephrines

Drugs:

• Betablockers

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Alcohol

• Benzodiazepines

Associations: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) 

Resources and References

Created in 2024.