PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA SHORT NOTES
- Tumour in adrenal medulla
- Extra renal location include the chest, bladder, abdomen and brain
- Its a benign tumour but can be malignant
CAUSES
- Excessive production of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenalin)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Hypertension, headache, palpitation, flushing, diaphoresis,
- heat intolerance, weight loss, tremor, hyperglycemia
HOW TO DIAGNOSE
- 24-hour urine collection for vanillylmandelic acid(VMA)
- The normal range of VMA is up to 14 mcg/100ml
TREATMENT
- Monitor vital signs, blood pressure
- Monitor for hypertensive crisis
- Instruct the client not to smoke, drink caffeine or change position suddenly
- prepare to administer beta-adrenergic blocking agent to control hypertension
- provide diet high in calories and vitamins
COMPLICATION
- Hypertensive crisis, hypertensive retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiac enlargement, heart failure, dysrhythmias, myocardial infarction, stroke
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
- Adrenalectomy
