Can pheochromocytoma cause skin problems?

Pheochromocytoma is rarely associated with cutaneous disease: most papers describe intermittent “flush” phenomenon. Permanent lesions are non fréquent: erythrocyanosis, rash with nodosities or macular lesions, restricted places of necorsis, distal necorsis, hypochromic lesions.

Can pheochromocytoma cause a rash?

Livedo reticularis, a rash that arises when arteriolar vasospasm leads to pooling of blood in surrounding venules, has rarely been described in conjunction with pheochromocytoma (1, 2). Indeed, the typical rash of pheochromocytoma is an intermittent facial flushing associated with symptomatic catecholamine release.

What indicates malignant pheochromocytoma?

Our results indicate that measurement of plasma chromogranin A is useful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, and a markedly elevated chromogranin A may suggest the diagnosis of malignant pheo- chromocytoma. Chromogranin A may also assist in ascertaining the response to chemotherapy in malignant disease.

Is pheochromocytoma a sarcoma?

A pheochromocytoma (fee-o-kroe-moe-sy-TOE-muh) is a rare, usually noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops in an adrenal gland. You have two adrenal glands —one located at the top of each kidney. Usually, a pheochromocytoma develops in only one adrenal gland.

Can adrenal tumors cause skin problems?

Patients may develop problems with bruising easily, thin skin and poor wound healing. Other symptoms of excess cortisol production from the adrenal gland include stretch marks on the skin that tend to be purple (often on the abdomen) and muscle weakness in your extremities (arms and legs).

What is the classic triad of pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma classically presents with paroxysms of hypertension and adrenergic symptoms including classic triad of episodic headache, sweating, and tachycardia.

Can you have pheochromocytoma without high blood pressure?

1) High Blood Pressure as a Symptom of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma. High blood pressure is the most common symptom of pheochromocytoma. Up to 90% of all patients with a pheo have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It should be noted that not all patients have high blood pressure.

How do you screen for pheochromocytoma?

These tests may include:

  1. CT scan, a specialized X-ray technology.
  2. MRI , which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images.
  3. M-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging, a scanning technology that can detect tiny amounts of an injected radioactive compound taken up by pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas.

How do you rule out pheochromocytoma?

Because catecholamine relase varies throughout the day, the best method of diagnosing pheochromocytomas is using a 24-hour urine collection. This involves obtaining a special urine container, which has a small amount of preservative, from a medical laboratory and filling it with one entire day’s worth of urine.