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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2007; 115(3): 155-159
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-970410
Review Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG · Stuttgart · New York

Diagnostic Management of Benign and Malignant Pheochromocytoma

T. Scholz 1 , C. Schulz 1 , S. Klose 1 , H. Lehnert 1 , 2
  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Magdeburg University Medical School
  • 2Warwick Medical School, Coventry University Hospital
Further Information

Publication History

received 15. 8. 2005 first decision 15. 11. 2006

accepted 22. 1. 2007

Publication Date:
11 April 2007 (online)

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Abstract

As rare and thus often overlooked hormone-secreting tumors, pheochromocytomas pose a particular diagnostic challenge. Difficulties involve biochemical confirmation, localizing, and detection of malignancy. Measurement of free plasma metanephrines, genetic testing and specific imaging procedures - such as MIBG and octreotide scintigraphy or fluorodopamine PET - represent a considerable progress, and the management of benign pheochromocytomas has become very effective. However, a comparable improvement in the prognosis of malignant chromaffin cell tumors, which occur in approximately 10-15% of all cases, has not yet been achieved. Here, telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) activity and heat shock protein 90 expression could serve both as molecular markers allowing an earlier diagnosis of malignancy and as therapeutic targets. Familial syndromes should be considered both in benign and malignant pheochromocytoma, and should be tested for prior to surgery in selected patient groups.

Key words

pheochromocytoma - metanephrines - genetics - diagnostic imaging

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Correspondence

H. Lehnert

Klinik für Endokrinologie und Stoffwechselkrankheiten

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität

Leipziger Str. 44

39120 Magdeburg

Germany

Phone: +49/391/671 54 45

Fax: +49/391/671 44 98

Email: hendrik.lehnert@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de

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