Pheochromocytoma as a Secondary Cause of Hypertension

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor with an incidence in population of 1:100 000 patients per year, it occurs most often between the third and fourth decade of life, in both sexes, this tumor is characterized by secreting catecholamine (Noradrenaline, adrenaline and small amounts of dopamine). Its distribution and clinical presentation makes reference to the rule of ten, 10% are extra-adrenal; 10% are presented in children; 10% are multiple or bilateral; 10% are recurrent after surgery; 10% are malignant; 10% are family, 10% are discovered as adrenal incidentalomas and the remaining is distributed in different tissues, systems and other age groups. The clinical picture is mainly constituted by the headache classic triad, palpitations and diaphoresis. Because it is a major cause of correctable secondary arterial hypertension, its clinical suspicion and early treatment become relevant as a potentially curable pathology.