Pheochromocytoma

A tumor of chromaffin cells, usually in the adrenal medulla, that may release excess catecholamines and cause episodic high blood pressure, headache, sweating, and palpitations.

Catecholamines: A family of signaling molecules that includes epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Excess release of these hormones drives many pheochromocytoma symptoms.
Plasma free metanephrines: Blood measurements of metanephrine and normetanephrine, metabolites used to detect catecholamine-producing tumors. They are a key biochemical test when pheochromocytoma is suspected.
Chromaffin cell: A neuroendocrine cell that stores and releases catecholamines, especially in the adrenal medulla. Pheochromocytomas develop from this catecholamine-producing cell lineage.
Catecholamine crisis: A life-threatening surge of catecholamine effects causing severe hypertension and potential organ dysfunction. Untreated or triggered pheochromocytoma can produce this acute emergency.
Pheochromocytoma susceptibility genes: Genes in which inherited or tumor-acquired variants predispose to pheochromocytoma or related tumors. Genetic testing can identify inherited risk even when family history is absent.
Adrenal medulla: The inner region of the adrenal gland, containing chromaffin cells that secrete catecholamines. Most pheochromocytomas arise from chromaffin cells in this tissue.
Urinary fractionated metanephrines: A urine test measuring metanephrine and normetanephrine fractions, often collected over 24 hours. This provides an alternative biochemical route to identify tumor secretion.
Paraganglioma: A neuroendocrine tumor arising from paraganglia outside the adrenal medulla. It is the related extra-adrenal tumor distinguished from pheochromocytoma by location.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A temporary weakening of the heart’s left ventricle, often following intense physical or emotional stress. Excess catecholamines can injure the heart and provoke this syndrome.
Metastatic pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma that has spread to sites lacking normal chromaffin tissue. Metastatic potential cannot be reliably determined from appearance alone.

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