MNEUMONICS FOR PHAECHROMOCYTOMA

Phaechromocytoma is a rare tumor. It is the tumor of the adrenal medulla of adrenal glands. It produces epinephrine and/or norepinephrine. Approximately 90% of the tumor arise from the adrenal glands itself while the rest occur at extra adrenal.

Clinical features of phaechromocytoma = 5H

H = Headache

H = Hypertension (non paroxysmal in up to 50%, may paradoxically worsen following beta blocker)

H = Hypotension (orthostatic) – in up to 50%

H = Heart beat awareness (tachycardia)

H = Hyperhidrosis

Phaechromocytoma = Rule of 10’s

10% malignant (histology not predictive)

10% extra adrenal (greater risk of malignancy)

10% familial usually non secretory

10% bilateral

10% multiple

10% occur in children

10% are normotensive

Complication of phaechromocytoma = 7C

C = Constipation

C = Cardiomegaly

C = Cerebral hemorrhage

C = Cholelithiasis

C = Chronic renal failure

C = Carcinoma of thyroid

C = Cushing syndrome