Document Detail


Pheochromocytoma: a clinical review.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  1576030     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Few disorders of endocrine function are so sudden and dramatic in their presentation as those caused by a pheochromocytoma. This chromaffin cell tumor arises within the adrenal medulla or within the sympathetic nervous system and causes wide fluctuations in blood pressure, tachydysrhythmias, and manifestations of intense anxiety. The patient experiences explosive paroxysms of catecholamine overload. The diagnoses of accelerated hypertension or panic disorder often are prematurely adopted. The condition kills, with deaths primarily attributed to irreversible cardiovascular and end-organ damage caused by profound hypertension. For those with a pheochromocytoma, the disorder caused by the tumor is a terrifying constellation of symptoms. Although pheochromocytoma is rare, it must be considered in the treatment of any patient with sudden, extreme hypertension and accompanying hypermetabolism. A cure is possible, but only with early diagnosis and treatment.
Authors:
R Agana-Defensor; M Proch
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  AACN clinical issues in critical care nursing     Volume:  3     ISSN:  1046-7467     ISO Abbreviation:  AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs     Publication Date:  1992 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1992-06-09     Completed Date:  1992-06-09     Revised Date:  2005-11-16    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9009969     Medline TA:  AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  309-18     Citation Subset:  N    
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis,  physiopathology*,  surgery
Catecholamines / physiology
Humans
Hypertension / physiopathology
Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis,  physiopathology*,  surgery
Postoperative Care
Preoperative Care
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Catecholamines

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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