Cystic adrenal pheochromocytoma, a very exceptional form: case report

Abstract

A pheochromocytoma is a tumor that typically originates within the chromaffin cells of the adrenal glands, resulting in excessive production of catecholamines. Cystic forms are exceptional and pose a diagnostic challenge, especially those that are non-secreting. The most prevalent symptom associated with this condition is arterial hypertension, which can be either persistent or, more commonly, intermittent. The Ménard triad, comprising headaches, excessive sweating, and palpitations, may accompany episodes of hypertension. The presence of elevated levels of methoxylated derivatives serves to confirm the diagnosis of an adrenal pheochromocytoma. We report the case of a woman who presented with arterial hypertension associated with the Ménard triad, along with elevated methoxylated derivative levels. Imaging modalities revealed a predominantly cystic left retroperitoneal mass. The diagnosis of a cystic pheochromocytoma was established and confirmed through histological examination of the surgical specimen after adrenalectomy.