Background and Aims
Phaeochromocytomas are rare, highly vascularised neuroendocrine tumours arising from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla1. These catecholamine secreting tumours occur in less than 0.2- 0.6% of patients with hypertension1. Serious cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is associated if left untreated. Standard approach involves pharmacological management of blood pressure and subsequent surgical resection. Despite treatment, these individuals are at long term risk of metastases and disease recurrence.
The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence, clinical spectrum, biochemical profile, preoperative management, surgical and longer term outcomes of phaeochromocytoma patients at Lyell McEwin Hospital, a tertiary centre in South Australia.
Methodology
Retrospective review of case records of histologically proven cases of phaeochromocytomas from 2010 to 2021. Data presented will include demographics, symptomatology, history of hypertension, history of known adrenal lesion, investigations, time from diagnosis to surgery, peri operative blood pressure control, intra and post operative complications and follow up post surgery.
Results
Phaeochromocytoma was histologically diagnosed in 13 patients from 2010 to 2021. 11 were surgically operated on and 2 are awaiting surgery. 3 of the 11 cases operated on have since died. Further data is currently being analysed and demographics, investigations, complication rates and post operative progress will be presented in detail.
Conclusion
Through the comparison of our findings with available guidelines and published data from other single centres internationally, this will assist with the development of a protocol for the preoperative management and standardisation of care of phaeochromocytoma patients in our centre.