Hypertension as a diagnostic problem in children: presentation of a case of pheochromocytoma.
- Author:
CRISOSTOMO CP
;
PATAWARAN LG
- Keywords:
Male, Human, Benodaine
- MeSH:
Child
- From:
Journal of the Philippine Medical Association
0000;():0-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A typical case of pheochromocytoma in a 10 yr. old boy was presented. The tumor was on the right adrenal gland and was removed successfully. The operative expediency of a posterior and bilateral adrenal exposure was used because multicentric foci were considered. Pharmacologic diagnostic tests like benodaine and urine catecholamine determination (by no means pathognomonic) contributed to the diagnosis. Perirenal insufflation of air was resorted to before exploratory operation was done, which revealed radio-opaque densities at the region of the right adrenalPrimary aldosteronism, adenoma of cortical portion was entertained in this case because of eosinophilia and alkaline urine (in several instances) but was eliminated due to lack of significant findings as paresthesia, paresis, of extremeties and tetanyThe diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is difficult because there are many conditions which may simulate the disease. Signs and symptoms may be the best guides in the differential diagnosis which includes anxiety or hysteric states, often with hyperventilation; vascular headache; CVA; epilepsy, chronic nervous fatigue, agitated depression, intake of drugs with norepinephrine and renal diseases.(Comments and Summary)
