Phaeochromocytoma: back to the basics. Issue 7 (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nimir, Mohammed; Ahmed, Bibi Leila
• Is Part Of: Diagnostic histopathology. Volume 28:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 337
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: chromaffin -- GAPP -- paraganglioma -- PASS -- phaeochromocytoma; Histology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Cytodiagnosis -- Periodicals; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; Histopathologie -- Périodiques; Pathologie -- Périodiques; Cytodiagnostics -- Périodiques; Diagnostics biologiques -- Périodiques; Histologie -- Technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.07582
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2022.05.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2317

Abstract

Abstract: We present a 53-year-old man who was admitted to ITU with shortness of breath and a massive pulmonary haemorrhage, with a history of new-onset hypertension, and unremarkable examination. CT scanning showed an 8 cm mass in the right adrenal gland, suspected to be a phaeochromocytoma (PHEOs). This was further supported by blood tests and avidity on MIBG radiology. Histological examination of the adrenalectomy and nephrectomy specimen showed a circumscribed tumour composed of small nests of small to medium sized, pale to basophilic cells with features suggestive of a phaeochromocytoma with borderline metastatic risk, and a pathological stage of pT2. Stratification of metastatic risk of PHEOs is crucial as those tumours that metastasise have a <50% 5-year survival rate. In addition, risk stratification facilitates management of these tumours, and this can be achieved by employing PASS and GAPP scores, amongst others.