Implications and considerations during pheochromocytoma resection: A challenge to the anesthesiologist

Effects of epidural anesthesia in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma surgeries: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Anesthetic management is a great challenge during the surgical resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) due to potential hemodynamic fluctuations and/or postoperative complications. Although combined epidural-general anesthesia is commonly used in PPGLs surgeries, there is still no consensus whether combined epidural-general anesthesia was superior than general anesthesia alone for these populations. For the first time, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the effects of combined epidural-general anesthesia versus general anesthesia alone on hemodynamic fluctuations as well as postoperative complications in patients undergone PPGLs surgeries.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement. The primary outcome were hemodynamic fluctuations, including intraoperative hypotension, postoperative hypotension, and hypertensive crisis. Secondary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications during hospital stay.

RESULTS

Finally, three retrospective cohort studies involving 347 patients met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was not performed since outcomes from included studies were not available to be pooled. On the basis of the findings of non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) literature, 2 studies suggested that combined epidural-general anesthesia was associated with intraoperative and postoperative hypotension, although one study reported that epidural anesthesia use reduced the incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergone surgical resection of PPGLs.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, no published RCTs have yet assessed clinically relevant outcomes with respect to the application of epidural anesthesia during PPGLs surgeries. Well-designed RCTs should nonetheless be encouraged to properly assess the efficacy and safety of epidural anesthesia for PPGLs surgeries.

Predictors of Perioperative Vasoactive Drug Requirement During Retroperitoneal Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma: A Retrospective Exploratory Study

The aim of the present study was to test a hypothesis that baseline systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) assessed by method of transpulmonary thermodilution predicts perioperative requirement for vasoactive drugs. The primary outcomes were: (1) peak vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and (2) peak dose of hypotensive drugs at any stage of surgery. The main exposure variable was baseline SVRI. Hemodynamics were retrospectively assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution in 50 adults who had undergone posterior retroperitoneal surgery for pheochromocytoma. Univariate linear regression analysis showed predictive value of SVRI on VIS [regression coefficient, 95% CI; 0.024 (0.005, 0.4), p=0.015]. Other significant factors were the history of peak diastolic pressure, baseline MAP, baseline betablocker therapy, and history of coronary artery disease (CAD). After adjustment of SVRI for the history of CAD, its prognostic value became non-significant [0.018 (0.008, 0.03), p=0.063 and 29.6 (19, 40.2), p=0.007 for SVRI and history of CAD, respectively]. Requirements of vasodilators were predicted by baseline adrenergic activity [0.37 (0.005, 0.74), p=0.047]. In conclusion, baseline SVRI is associated with perioperative requirement of vasopressor drugs, but history of CAD is a stronger prognostic factor for vasopressor support. Perioperative requirement in vasodilators is associated with baseline adrenergic activity.

Is laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma safe and effective in geriatric patients?

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to assess the haemodynamic changes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) in geriatric patients with pheochromocytoma (PHEO). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the haemodynamic outcomes of LA in this patient population.

METHODS

Data of 350 patients who underwent single-side transperitoneal LA between 2000 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a histopathological diagnosis of PHEO were included in the study and classified into two groups according to their ages at the date of surgery. Patients older than 65 years were accepted as elderly according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients underwent LA for PHEO. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the elderly and 39 in the young groups. There were no significant differences in terms of the operation site (0.564), tumour size (0.878), perioperative results such as mean anaesthesia; operation times, blood loss and haemodynamic changes. There were no significant differences in mean hospitalisation and intensive care unit times. One patient in both groups had grade 1 complication according to Clavien Dindo classification (prolonged ileus, managed with medical treatment and transfusion during surgery, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Young and elderly patients had similar outcomes in terms of haemodynamic changes that occurred with LA. LA in elderly patients with PHEO is as safe and effective as in younger patients.

Extensive Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup to Unmask Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor arising from chromaffin cells of the medulla of adrenal gland and secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines: epinephrine and norepinephrine. It can also arise from sympathetic ganglia when it is referred to as catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas or extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma has been referred to as "the masquerader" for its numerous atypical presentations, which makes its diagnosis medically challenging. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old female, presenting with high-grade fever for two weeks associated with generalized body aches. She had an extensive infectious, rheumatological and hematological workup. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. After adrenalectomy, her fever and body ache resolved.

Perioperative management of pheocromocytoma/ paraganglioma: a comprehensive review

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms that require adequate preoperative evaluation in order to prevent and lessen the serious complications of catecholamine hypersecretion. Preoperative management contributes to reducing morbidity and mortality rates in patients who have not been diagnosed with this condition and undergo any surgery. However, current mortality seems to be lower, a fact attributed to preoperative management with alpha blockers.

The effect of combined Epidural-general Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Instability during Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Surgery: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of combined epidural-general anesthesia with those of general anesthesia alone on hemodynamic instability (intraoperative hypotension and hypertensive crisis) during pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma surgery. Methods: A total of 119 patients' medical records were reviewed who were diagnosed as having pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma on the basis of histological findings. Intraoperative hypotension was defined as a mean blood pressure < 60 mmHg or a decrease > 30% in baseline systolic blood pressure after adrenal vein ligation. Hypertensive crisis was defined as a systolic blood pressure > 200 mmHg or an increase > 30% in baseline systolic blood pressure during the operation. The predictor variables for intraoperative hypotension and hypertensive crisis were analyzed with logistic regression models. Data were presented as adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: The independent predictors of intraoperative hypotension were an increased attenuation number on unenhanced computed tomography (1.112 [1.009-1.226], p = 0.033), a high baseline mean blood pressure (1.063 [1.012-1.117], p = 0.015), and the combined epidural-general anesthesia (5.439 [1.410-20.977], p = 0.014). In contrast, an increased attenuation number on unenhanced computed tomography was the only independent predictor of hypertensive crisis (1.087 [1.021-1.158], p = 0.009). Conclusions: The combined epidural-general anesthesia was not effective in attenuating hypertensive responses, but could have exacerbated intraoperative hypotension. These findings should be taken into account before selecting the anesthetic technique in pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma surgery.

Catecholamine-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Pheochromocytoma: How to Manage a Rare Complication in a Rare Disease?

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PHEOs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Clinical manifestations include different cardiovascular signs and symptoms, which are related to excessive secretion of catecholamines. Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy in PHEO (CICMPP) is a rare but dreaded complication of PHEO. Once patient is diagnosed with this condition, the prognosis is worse and a surgical risk is much higher than expected. This article focuses on how catecholamines affect the heart and the pathophysiologic mechanism of CICMPP. The cardiovascular responses to catecholamine depend mostly on which catecholamine is released as well as the amount of catecholamine that is released. The acute release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from PHEO increases heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, myocardial contractility, and reduces venous compliance. The excessive adrenergic stimulation by catecholamine results in severe vasoconstriction and coronary vasospasm, myocardial ischemia, and subsequently damage, and necrosis. Chronically elevated catecholamine levels lead to significant desensitization of cardiac β-adrenoceptors. The increased levels of the enzyme β-adrenoceptors kinase (βARK) in the heart seems to mediate these biochemical and physiological changes that are consistently correlated with attenuated responsiveness to catecholamine stimulation. Through these mechanisms different types of cardiomyopathy (CMP) can be formed. This review discusses extensively the 3 types of cardiomyopathies that can be present in a PHEO patient. It also provides the clinical presentation and diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in managing patients with CICMPP.

Paraganglioma in pregnancy: interdisciplinary management during pregnancy

Paragangliomas are tumors that originate from the extra-adrenal neural crest, the incidence of which during pregnancy is not more than two to eight cases per million people per year and are known to be highly morbid. The purpose of this report is to describe the experience and results obtained during management of a primigravida diagnosed with paraganglioma on week 21.2 and received both medical and surgical management with good maternal and perinatal outcomes. This case report evidences the importance of practicing interdisciplinary management of patients with clinical suspicion of paragangliomas or pheochromocytomas during pregnancy at high-complexity centers even in a medium-income country.

Lesson of the month 2: Blunt abdominal trauma: atypical presentation of phaeochromocytoma

A 26-year-old man presented following blunt abdominal trauma to a regional major trauma centre for emergency embolisation of a retroperitoneal bleed from a presumed renal laceration. Imaging had also revealed a large right suprarenal mass. Embolisation resulted in a hypertensive crisis raising the suspicion of a metabolically active adrenal tumour. The course was further complicated by the development of ischaemic bowel requiring emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively he became haemodynamically unstable from an actively haemorrhaging lesion. Emergency laparotomy and adrenalectomy was performed as a life-saving procedure. Histology confirmed a phaeochromocytoma. The patient made a gradual recovery and was discharged home with no sequelae. Definitive management of phaeochromocytoma is surgical resection which requires prolonged preoperative optimisation with alpha receptor blockers to adequately control blood pressure and prevent hypertensive crises. Parenteral alpha receptor blockers, such as phentolamine, are optimal treatment for intraoperative hypertensive emergencies, yet they are currently not available in the UK.

Anesthetic Management of Clinically Silent Familial Pheochromocytoma with MEN 2A: A Report of Four Cases

Familial pheochromocytomas are commonly associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndrome. Majority of the patients present with normal clinical and biochemical parameters in the preoperative period, the incidence of hypertension being only 50 %. Even though patients may be clinically asymptomatic, surveillance and proper preoperative evaluation is important, as surgery for associated tumors may precipitate a hypertensive crisis and result in severe complications. A family of 19 members, of which 12 were positive for MEN 2A syndrome, presented to our hospital. Seven of the 12 patients had pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), while the other 5 had only raised plasma calcitonin levels. Two of the 7 patients presented with bilateral pheochromocytoma and underwent an open adrenalectomy. The other 5 patients had a left-sided adrenal tumor and underwent left laparoscopic adrenalectomy under combined general and epidural anesthesia. We present our experience with four of these five cases. We here state that how paucity of literature on perioperative preparation of clinically and biochemically silent pheochromocytomas led to serious intraoperative complications in one of four cases.

Endocrinopathies: The current and changing perspectives in anesthesia practice

The gateways to advancements in medical fields have always been accessed through the coalition between various specialties. It is almost impossible for any specialty to make rapid strides of its own. However, the understanding of deeper perspectives of each specialty or super specialty is essential to take initiatives for the progress of the other specialty. Endocrinology and anesthesiology are two such examples which have made rapid progress in the last three decades. Somehow the interaction and relationship among these medical streams have been only scarcely studied. Diabetes and thyroid pathophysiologies have been the most researched endocrine disorders so far in anesthesia practice but even their management strategies have undergone significant metamorphosis over the last three decades. As such, anesthesia practice has been influenced vastly by these advancements in endocrinology. However, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between these two partially related specialties is considered to be an essential cornerstone for further progress in anesthesia and surgical sciences. The current review is an attempt to imbibe the current and the changing perspectives so as to make the understanding of the relationship between these two medical streams a little simple and clearer.

Incidental Phaeochromocytoma on Staging PET-CT in a Patient with a Sigmoid Tumour and Situs Inversalis Totalis

An adrenal “incidentaloma” is defined as an unexpected finding on radiological imaging performed for unrelated indications. Improvements in radiological technology have seen a dramatic increase in this phenomenon. We report the unique case of a 60-year-old female presenting with a 6-month history of abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, and rectal bleeding. Her past medical history included situs inversus totalis and a patent ductus arteriosus. Colonoscopy revealed an ulcerated tumour in her sigmoid colon. Staging PET-CT confirmed a sigmoid tumour and also identified a large heterogenous enhancing FDG-avid right adrenal mass. Biochemical testing/MIBG imaging confirmed a right adrenal phaeochromocytoma. Hypertension was controlled and excision was performed via a transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy, in the left lateral decubitus position. Uniquely, liver retraction was not required due to its position in the left hypochondrium. Histology confirmed a benign 46 mm phaeochromocytoma. Subsequent uncomplicated sigmoid colectomy/right salpingo-oophorectomy for a locally advanced colonic tumour was performed with adjuvant chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of accurately identifying functioning adrenal tumours before elective surgery as undiagnosed phaeochromocytomas carry significant intraoperative morbidity/mortality. Right adrenalectomy was made easier in this patient by the liver's unique position. Uncomplicated colorectal resection was made possible by combined preoperative functional/anatomical imaging.

Successful Management of Phaeochromocytoma using Preoperative Oral Labetalol and Intraoperative Magnesium Sulphate: Report of four cases

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine catecholamine-secreting tumour. This type of tumour poses multidimensional anaesthetic challenges as it has an unpredictable clinical course during surgical resection. The alpha-blocking agent phenoxybenzamine remained the mainstay in preoperative preparation before the introduction of beta-blocking agents. We report four cases operated between 2009-2012 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The cases were prepared with oral labetalol, as the alpha-blocking drug phenoxybenzamine was not immediately available. Responses to simulated stress were tested in the theatre before surgery. Anaesthesia was induced under invasive arterial pressure monitoring and magnesium sulphate infusion. Rare intraoperative surges in blood pressure during tumour manipulation were treated with sodium nitroprusside infusions and phentolamine boluses. All of the patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Preoperative treatment with labetalol has rarely been reported and can be considered as a potential therapeutic option with optimal patient monitoring if phenoxybenzamine is unavailable.

Brain death in ICU patients: Clinical significance of endocrine changes

Numerous studies have been carried out among patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) having primary endocrine pathology, endocrine manifestations of systemic diseases or post-endocrine tissue surgery. However, minimal literary evidence is available highlighting the endocrine changes occurring during brain death in critically ill patients. A precise and timely diagnosis of brain death is required to convey the relatives about the prognosis and also to possibly plan for organ retrieval for transplantation purposes. The diagnosis of this condition as of today remains largely a clinical one. Brain death is associated with a multitude of endocrinological alterations which are yet to be completely unraveled and understood. Evaluating these endocrinological modifications lends us an added vista to add to the existing clinical parameters which might help us to confirm the diagnosis of brain death with a higher degree of precision. Moreover, since the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy to benefit in organ retrieval remains yet unproven, newer diagnostic modalities and research studies are definitely called for to strategize the optimal dosage and duration of such therapies.

Anesthetic management of primary hyperparathyroidism: A role rarely noticed and appreciated so far

Endocrine surgeries have been on the rise for the last few years. During surgery, endocrine disorders present unique challenges to the endocrinologist and to the attending anesthesiologist. The endocrine, electrolyte and metabolic disturbances resulting from such disorders can have a profound effect on the normal human physiological milieu. Surgery of parathyroid glands is no exception and is associated with a multiple challenges during pre-, intra-, and post-operative period. Pre-op examination and optimization is essential so as to prevent any intra-op or post-op complications. The most striking electrolyte disturbance during parathyroid surgery is the imbalance of calcium levels in the body and the main emphasis during the entire peri-operative period revolves around the maintenance of normal serum calcium levels. The present article review in depth the various anesthetic considerations and implications during parathyroid surgery with an emphasis on pre-op preparation for elective and emergency surgery.

Endocrine emergencies in critically ill patients: Challenges in diagnosis and management

Endocrine emergencies pose unique challenges for the attending intensivist while managing critically ill patients. Besides taking care of primary disease state, one has to divert an equal attention to the possible associated endocrinopathies also. One of the common reasons for inability to timely diagnose an endocrinal failure in critically ill patients being the dominance of other severe systemic diseases and their clinical presentation. The timely diagnosis and administration of therapeutic interventions for these endocrine disorders can improve the outcome in critically ill patients. The timely diagnosis and administration of timely therapeutics in common endocrine disorders like severe thyroid disease, acute adrenal insufficiency and diabetic ketoacidosis significantly influence the outcome and prognosis. Careful evaluation of clinical history and a high degree of suspicion are the corner stone to diagnose such problems. Aggressive management of the patient is equally important as the complications are devastating and can prove highly fatal. The present article is an attempt to review some of the common endocrine emergencies in intensive care unit and the challenges associated with their diagnosis and management.