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Brain Metastasis of Pheochromocytoma: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

Authors :
Kammoun B
Belmabrouk H
Kolsi F
Kammoun O
Kallel R
Ammar M
Kallel M
Mseddi MA
Boudawara MZ
Source :
World neurosurgery [World Neurosurg] 2019 Oct; Vol. 130, pp. 391-399. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Jun 28.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Background: Pheochromocytoma brain metastasis is extremely rare. Few cases have been reported in the literature. Therefore, diagnosis and effective treatment of these lesions are difficult.<br />Case Description: Here, we report the case of 29-year-old woman, who was operated on for a right adrenal pheochromocytoma. Fourteen months later, a posterior fossa tumor was diagnosed. Radiologic findings mimicked an extra-axial lesion. The radiologic differential diagnosis was difficult even using magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy. The patient was operated on through a retrosigmoid approach. Local recurrence occurred 6 months after first surgery. The patient died 1 month later, despite a second operation.<br />Conclusions: Although the occurrence of brain metastases in pheochromocytoma is not prevalent, patients presenting with suggestive features need to be carefully considered. Magnetic resonance imaging can help in differential diagnosis with a primary brain tumor. There are no established guidelines for the treatment of pheochromocytoma brain metastasis, for which the prognosis remains dismal, despite effective surgery.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1878-8769
Volume :
130
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
World neurosurgery
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31260853
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2019.06.163