Background: Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors that usually present with hypertension and palpitations. However, a subset of pheochromocytoma patients is asymptomatic, presenting as adrenal incidentaloma on imaging. Case: We present a case of a 32-year-old normotensive female who presented with a right suprarenal mass on abdominal ultrasound. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made after biochemical testing revealed elevated 24- hour urine metanephrine of 1.96 mg/24hrs (NV:0-1 mg/24hrs) and epinephrine of 129 mcg/24hrs (NV: 2-24 mcg/24hrs). In addition, plasma chromogranin A was elevated at 225.38 ng/ml (NV:<100 ng/ml). CT scan of the abdomen showed a 3.0 x 4.0 x 3.0 cm heterogeneous well-circumscribed right adrenal mass, with 87Hu on contrast, an absolute washout of 21%, and a relative washout of 13% on a delayed scan. After adequate preoperative medical therapy with an alpha-adrenergic blocker, a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done, with histopathologic confirmation of pheochromocytoma. Repeat 24-hour urine metanephrine measurements done on multiple follow-ups after surgery were normal. Conclusion Asymptomatic pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnoses of adrenal incidentalomas. As in our case, patients with normotension and adrenal incidentalomas should still undergo biochemical workup to rule out the presence of pheochromocytoma. Long-term complications from chronic exposure to high catecholamine levels lead to significant adverse cardiovascular effects. Early detection, adequate perioperative preparation, and timely surgical intervention can prevent a potential catastrophe.
Pheochromocytoma ; Blood pressure ; Filipino