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Constantinescu G, Preda C, Constantinescu V, Siepmann T, Bornstein SR, Lenders JWM, Eisenhofer G, Pamporaki C. Silent pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: Systematic review and proposed definitions for standardized terminology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1021420. [PMID: 36325453 PMCID: PMC9618947 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1021420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors with heterogeneous clinical presentations and potential lethal outcomes. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, biochemical testing, imaging and histopathological confirmation. Increasingly widespread use of imaging studies and surveillance of patients at risk of PPGL due to a hereditary background or a previous tumor is leading to the diagnosis of these tumors at an early stage. This has resulted in an increasing use of the term "silent" PPGL. This term and other variants are now commonly found in the literature without any clear or unified definition. Among the various terms, "clinically silent" is often used to describe the lack of signs and symptoms associated with catecholamine excess. Confusion arises when these and other terms are used to define the tumors according to their ability to synthesize and/or release catecholamines in relation to biochemical test results. In such cases the term "silent" and other variants are often inappropriately and misleadingly used. In the present analysis we provide an overview of the literature and propose standardized terminology in an attempt at harmonization to facilitate scientific communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Grigore T. Popa University, Iasi, Romania
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Center for Clinical Research and Management Education, Dresden Inter-national University, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christina Pamporaki, ; Georgiana Constantinescu,
| | - Cristina Preda
- Department of Endocrinology, Grigore T. Popa University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Victor Constantinescu
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, University Clinic Carl-Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Timo Siepmann
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Center for Clinical Research and Management Education, Dresden Inter-national University, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R. Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Center for Clinical Research and Management Education, Dresden International University, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacques W. M. Lenders
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Pamporaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christina Pamporaki, ; Georgiana Constantinescu,
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Dhanasekar K, Visakan V, Tahir F, Balasubramanian SP. Composite phaeochromocytomas-a systematic review of published literature. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 407:517-527. [PMID: 33651160 PMCID: PMC8933353 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Composite phaeochromocytoma is a tumour containing a separate tumour of neuronal origin in addition to a chromaffin cell tumour. This study reports on two cases from a single centre’s records and presents a systematic literature review of composite phaeochromocytomas. Methods In addition to describing 2 case reports, a systematic search of the Medline database from inception up to April 2020 was done for human case reports on composite phaeochromocytomas. Relevant titles and/or abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed to identify appropriate studies. Data was extracted and a descriptive analysis of presentation, clinical features, management strategies and outcomes was performed. The quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal checklist. Results There were 62 studies included, with a total of 94 patients. Of 91 patients where data was available, the median (range) age of patients was 48 (4–86) years. Of 90 patients where information was provided, 57% were female. In at least 28% of patients, a genetic cause was identified. Common presenting features include abdominal pain, palpable mass, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common tumour component with phaeochromocytoma is ganglioneuroma; other components include ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In patients with follow-up data (n=48), 85% of patients were alive and well at a median (range) follow-up time of 18 (0.5–168) months. Conclusion Composite phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour, with a significant genetic predisposition. This review summarises available epidemiological data, which will be useful for clinicians managing this rare condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Visakan
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F Tahir
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust UK, Sheffield, UK
| | - S P Balasubramanian
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust UK, Sheffield, UK
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Rondeau G, Nolet S, Latour M, Braschi S, Gaboury L, Lacroix A, Panzini B, Arjane P, Cohade C, Bourdeau I. Clinical and biochemical features of seven adult adrenal ganglioneuromas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:3118-25. [PMID: 20427489 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-2775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenal ganglioneuroma (GN) is seldom considered in the differential diagnosis of adrenal lesions, and its clinical presentation is not well known. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radiological features of adrenal GNs in adults. METHODS Seven adults underwent endocrine investigation for adrenal lesions that were confirmed to be adrenal GNs. RESULTS Mean age of the seven patients was 49 yr (range, 23 to 71 yr). Average tumor diameter was 5.0 cm (range, 1.5 to 10.4 cm). In five patients, the adrenal lesions were found incidentally. A 49-yr-old female carried a germline mutation in MSH2 gene. A 57-yr-old female presented with mild virilization and increased testosterone levels. Bilateral adrenal venous sampling revealed testosterone production from her right adrenal lesion. All tumors showed nonenhanced attenuation between 25 and 40 Hounsfield units on computed tomography scan. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed low- to iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. [(18)F]-2-Fluoro-deoxy-d-glucose-positron emission tomography scan (n = 5) disclosed a mean standard uptake value of 2.4. Three tumors were composite pheochromocytoma-GN. Microsatellite instability study and immunohistochemical analysis of MSH2 protein in a patient carrying a MSH2 mutation showed normal MSH2 protein expression and low microsatellite instability, indicating that the adrenal GN was not related to the patient's MSH2 germline defect. CONCLUSIONS We describe one of the largest series of adult adrenal GNs. Adrenal GNs may secrete testosterone or be part of a composite tumor with pheochromocytoma. The association of adrenal GN with MSH2 mutation seems to be a coincidental finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rondeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal-Hôtel-Dieu, 3850, Saint Urbain Street, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2W 1T7
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Linos D, Tsirlis T, Kapralou A, Kiriakopoulos A, Tsakayannis D, Papaioannou D. Adrenal ganglioneuromas: incidentalomas with misleading clinical and imaging features. Surgery 2010; 149:99-105. [PMID: 20452635 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganglioneuromas are benign neoplasms of the neural crest, occurring rarely in the adrenal glands. This study presents our experience regarding diagnostic and therapeutic management of these neoplasms and a review of the relevant literature. METHODS Among 150 patients with of incidentalomas, we had 7 primary ganglioneuromas. Their clinical, imaging, and operative data were collected retrospectively, and the literature was reviewed using MEDLINE. There were 4 females and 3 males, with mean age of 50 years (range, 39-64). All neoplasms were discovered incidentally with ultrasonography and were evaluated subsequently with computed tomography (CT). One patient was studied further with (131)I-MIBG due to asymptomatic increased in urine vanillylmandelic acid, and 1 patient with history of breast cancer underwent additional FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS All but 2 patients were asymptomatic. Two patients complained of epigastric pain and hypertension, respectively. The preoperative mean size on CT was 6.8 cm, whereas the postoperative true mean histologic size was 7.7 cm. Both patients who were evaluated with radionuclide studies had false positive results, suggestive of pheochromocytoma and adrenal metastasis, respectively. Three patients underwent open adrenalectomy due to preoperative suspicion of carcinoma, and the remaining 4 underwent laparoscopic anterior adrenalectomy. Histologically, all 7 neoplasms were completely differentiated, mature ganglioneuromas. We had no mortality or significant morbidity. No recurrence occurred during a mean follow-up of 6 years (range, 1-18). CONCLUSION Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare incidentalomas that can mimic primary or secondary adrenal malignancies as well as pheochromocytomas. Despite their usually large size, resection via laparoscopic approach is safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Linos
- 1st Surgical Clinic, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center of Athens Hygeia, Athens, Greece.
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Kook PH, Grest P, Quante S, Boretti FS, Reusch CE. Urinary catecholamine and metadrenaline to creatinine ratios in dogs with a phaeochromocytoma. Vet Rec 2010; 166:169-74. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.b4760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. H. Kook
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - P. Grest
- Institute of Pathology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - S. Quante
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - F. S. Boretti
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - C. E. Reusch
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Zurich; Winterthurerstrasse 260 8057 Zurich Switzerland
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Abstract
Ganglioneuromas (GN) are neural crest cell-derived tumors which may coexist with pheochromocytomas, secrete various neuropeptides or the symptoms may mimic that of a pheochromocytoma, producing hypertension or a hypotensive crisis during anesthesia for these tumors. We report here the case of a 7-year-old female child with an adrenal tumor suspected to be a pheochromocytoma, later confirmed by histology as a GN. This child presented with episodic headache, anxiety, palpitations and 3D helical (spiral) computed tomography of the abdomen revealed an adrenal tumor. In addition, the child was diagnosed to have a seizure disorder. She was managed as a pheochromocytoma. Although the child's preoperative catecholamine levels were normal, tumor manipulation caused a hypertensive crisis. We discuss the clinical characteristics of this unusual case, anesthesia management, and the postoperative course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatindra Kumar Batra
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
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Onozawa M, Fukuhara T, Minoguchi M, Takahata M, Yamamoto Y, Miyake T, Kanagawa K, Kanda M, Maekawa I. Hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis due to WDHA syndrome caused by VIP-producing composite pheochromocytoma: a case in neurofibromatosis type 1. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2005; 35:559-63. [PMID: 16027147 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyi139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 47-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 suffered from general muscle weakness and watery diarrhea. Laboratory findings showed elevated muscular enzymes, severe hypokalemia and excessive production of catecholamines and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). A computed tomography scan showed a 10 cm left adrenal mass, in which [(131)I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy showed high uptake. After she underwent surgical removal of the tumor, all the symptoms and signs subsided. A histological study revealed that the mass consisted of pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroma, respectively producing catecholamines and VIP. In immunohistochemical staining of neurofibromin, pheochromocytoma and ganglion cells showed positive staining, whereas the staining was negative for nerve bundles and Schwann cells. We concluded that the patient had hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis due to watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorhydria (WDHA) syndrome, which was induced by a VIP-producing composite pheochromocytoma. Composite pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor that is composed of pheochromocytoma and ganglioneuroma, both derived from the neural crest. Deficiency of neurofibromin in Schwann cells might have played an important role in the development and the growth of the composite pheochromocytoma in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Onozawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa City Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Cobellis L, Messalli EM, Rossiello R, Montone L, Cobellis G. Bilateral pelvic ganglioneuroma: clinico-pathological findings: a case report. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2004; 117:242-4. [PMID: 15541865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2004.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2003] [Accepted: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign neurogenic tumor originating from the autonomic nervous system, and is considered the benign counterpart of neuroblastoma, lacking the immature neuroblastic cells. A case of pelvic ganglioneuroma with bilateral pelvic spread is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cobellis
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproduction, Second University of Naples, Via Santa Lucia 39, Naples 80132, Italy.
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Lam KY, Lo CY. Composite Pheochromocytoma-Ganglioneuroma of the Adrenal Gland: An Uncommon Entity with Distinctive Clinicopathologic Features. Endocr Pathol 1999; 10:343-352. [PMID: 12114771 DOI: 10.1007/bf02739777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Adrenal composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma is uncommon. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of patients with this tumor. Methods: Histologic features of 46 pheochromocytomas diagnosed over a 28-year period (1971-1998) were reviewed. The clinical records, pathologic features, and ploidy patterns of patients with composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma were studied. Cases reported in the literature were also reviewed and compared with typical pheochromocytomas. Results: Four patients (two men; two women) with composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuromas were found. The tumors comprised 8.7% of pheochromocytomas. The two male patients with composite tumors were younger than the two female patients (age = 32, 52 vs 73, 75, respectively). The radiologic, gross, and microscopic appearances of the tumors were heterogeneous. One patient had malignant tumor with distant metastases. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the pheochromocytoma component was aneuploid and the ganglioneuroma portion was diploid. A review of the literature showed 31 adrenal composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuromas. Composite tumors were seen in older patients and were bigger than typical pheochromocytomas. Conclusion: Composite pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuromas had distinctive clinicopathologic features. Life-long clinical and biochemical follow-up of these patients is essential in view of the non-diploid DNA pattern.
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Clinical Experience With Incidentally Discovered Pheochromocytoma. J Urol 1997. [DOI: 10.1097/00005392-199705000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Choi KL, Wat MS, Ip TP, Kung AW, Lam KS. Phaeochromocytoma associated with myasthenia gravis precipitated by propranolol treatment. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 1995; 25:257. [PMID: 7487700 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1995.tb01539.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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