When should you suspect pheochromocytoma?
Frequently, the 24-hour urine collection must be performed more than once to establish diagnostic certainty. A 24-hour urine test for pheochromocytoma is considered positive if the catecholamine levels exceed two times the upper limit of normal.
Can symptoms of pheochromocytoma come and go?
Symptoms of pheochromocytomas often come and go. They can have spells that are extremely variable with differing symptoms each time, but the symptoms typically include heart palpitations, pallor, flushing, tremors, headaches and sweating.
How do you know if you have pheochromocytoma?
Imaging tests
- CT scan, a specialized X-ray technology.
- MRI , which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images.
- M-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging, a scanning technology that can detect tiny amounts of an injected radioactive compound taken up by pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas.
What can mimic a pheochromocytoma?
Various tumors including neuroblastomas, ganglioneuroblastomas and ganglioneuromas may mimic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas. Symptoms associated with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma, such as high blood pressure, may be induced by the use of certain medications.
What does a pheochromocytoma headache feel like?
Characteristic symptoms accompanying headaches in cases of pheochromocytoma, include perspiration, palpitations, anxiety, and facial pallor; headaches are known to occur simultaneously with sudden blood pressure elevation [7].
Does pheochromocytoma cause fatigue?
General. General signs and symptoms of both conditions are strikingly similar during acute episodes and can be difficult to differentiate based on severity. Anxiety, pallor, sweating, tremor, palpitations and fatigue can be severe in either case.
Are symptoms of pheochromocytoma constant?
The symptoms listed above may be constant, or they may occur, or get stronger, occasionally. Certain activities or conditions can make symptoms worse, such as: Physical exertion. Anxiety or stress.
Does pheochromocytoma affect sleep?
Conclusion. Pheochromocytomas are rare and sleep apnea is common. However, the overlap of clinical symptoms between these disorders is substantial, as is their ability to produce catecholamine excess.
Is dizziness a symptom of pheochromocytoma?
Orthostatic hypotension (medical term for that your blood pressure drops when you stand up; often causing dizziness) is an important manifestation of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.