phaeocromocytoma

Question 1

catecholamine producing tumour of the?

Answer 1

adrenal medulla

Question 2

what does it produce

Answer 2

mainly noradrenaline but also adrenaline

Question 3

the main 4 symptoms ?

Answer 3

headache
palpitations
sweating
hypertension

Question 4

additional symptoms ?

Answer 4

facial flushing
sob
chest tightness
abdominal pain

Question 5

investigations ?

Answer 5

24 hour urinary catecholamine

Question 6

what scan uses a chromaffin seeking isotope?

Answer 6

MIBG

Question 7

management ?

Answer 7

surgical excision

before carrying out surgery, blood pressure needs to be protected by alpha blockage, then beta blockage

Question 8

what drugs do you use for alpha blockage and beta blockage?

Answer 8

phenoxybenzamine - alpha blocker

atenolol - beta blocker