DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i09.026

Pages: 3041-3044

Introduction: Catecholamine producing tumours are termed as “pheochromocytomas” in the adrenal medulla and “paragangliomas” in an extra-adrenal location. Presenting features are mostly explained by catecholamine production. The diagnosis is based on detection of mass lesion coupled with biochemical and radiological correlation. Materials & Methods: The present study is a retrospective and prospective study done for a period of seven years. All the detailed clinical history and all relevant investigations were noted. Along with clinical details, radiological and histopthological findings were also considered. Results: A total of 70 cases (34-adrenal and 36 extra-adrenal) were included in the study. In 34 pheochromocytomas, the age range was 8-60 years with 16cases (45.45 %) of males and 18 females (54.54 %). Familial association was seen in 2(6.06%) cases- one each of MEN I and IIB; Rest all were sporadic (93.94%). The most common presenting feature was headache which was seen in 30/33(90%) cases, followed by hypertension in 28/33(85%) cases. Other symptoms seen were palpitations, anxiety and diaphoresis. And asymptomatic in 2 cases (6.06%). Conclusion: Adrenal pheochromocytomas and extra adrenal paragangliomas are rare tumours originating from neural crest cells. Adrenal pheochromocytomas are most common in the age group of 20–30 years (3rd-4th decade). Hence, in Indian population pheochromocytomas occur in earlier age group compared to Western population. There is equal gender distribution of adrenal pheochromocytomas in Western studies, while the present series shows female predominance. Most common clinical triad of presentation was headache, hypertension and palpitations. Around 90% of patients have these symptoms. Anxiety and mass per abdomen were other clinical presentations.