However, a combination of central neuraxial block with general anaesthesia must be balanced against the risk of hypertension during its placement and possibility of post-excision hypotension[38,39]. Drugs like morphine (histamine release) and pethidine (sympathetic stimulation) are not preferred in pheochromocytoma.

What is the definitive treatment for pheochromocytoma?

The primary treatment for a pheochromocytoma is surgery to remove the tumor. Before you have surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe specific blood pressure medications that block the actions of the high-adrenaline hormones to lower the risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure during surgery.

What is the surgery for pheochromocytoma?

Surgery to remove pheochromocytoma is usually an adrenalectomy (removal of one or both adrenal glands). During this surgery, the tissues and lymph nodes inside the abdomen will be checked and if the tumor has spread, these tissues may also be removed.

How do you prepare pheochromocytoma for surgery?

A patient may require 5–15 days of preoperative preparation with optimal alpha blocking drugs, increased oral fluids and salt intake and/or intravenous fluids before being “accepted” for surgery.

Why alpha blockers are used in treatment of pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine (ex. adrenaline) secreting tumor that requires preoperative alpha blockade to minimize intraoperative hemodynamic instability, thereby reducing intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Which treatment is given to a patient with pheochromocytoma to control high BP before surgery?

Thus, its use in the preoperative treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma is controversial. During surgery, intravenous phentolamine, a rapid-acting alpha-adrenergic antagonist, is used to control blood pressure. Rapid-acting intravenous beta blockers, such as esmolol, are also used to normalize blood pressure.

What is the best test for pheochromocytoma?

Plasma free metanephrines constitute the best test for excluding or confirming pheochromocytoma and should be the test of first choice for diagnosis of the tumor. A negative test result virtually excludes pheochromocytoma.

Which of the following drugs is useful in the treatment of pheochromocytoma Mcq?

Metyrosine. Metyrosine is a catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, prescribed for pheochromocytoma.

What is the triad present in pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma classically presents with paroxysms of hypertension and adrenergic symptoms including classic triad of episodic headache, sweating, and tachycardia.

Why surgery is contraindicated in malignant pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytomas are tumors composed of chromaffin cells that can produce, secrete and metabolise catecholamines. The surgical excision procedure of these tumors may present the risk of significant variations in blood pressure, as well as the chance of cardiovascular complications in the perioperative period.

How long is surgery for pheochromocytoma?

The Operation. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is performed under a general anesthetic. The typical length of the operation is 3-4 hours. The surgery is performed through 3 small (1cm) incisions made in the abdomen.

Which of the following is not given in a patient with pheochromocytoma?

Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists should not be given alone in a pheochromocytoma patient – this can lead to severe consequences. In 1995, a team of physicians from London described the death of a person who had been recently diagnosed pheochromocytoma after initiation of propranolol, a non-selective beta blocker.

Why is phenoxybenzamine given before surgery?

Compared to selective alpha-antagonists, preparation with phenoxybenzamine prior to surgery is associated with superior intraoperative hemodynamic stability, but also more post-operative hypotension, adverse drug effects, and longer treatment period.

How is hypertension managed in a patient with a pheochromocytoma?

An important aspect of BP control in pheochromocytoma is initial treatment with α-blockers and after achieving adequate α-blockade, the patient can be treated with β-blockers to achieve heart rate control. Phenoxybenzamine is a preferred α-blocker; however, prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin can also be used.

What can I expect after pheochromocytoma surgery?

Most patients will be able to eat, drink and walk around normally the day after surgery. If you have an open adrenalectomy, you might have to wait longer to resume eating, drinking and moving around normally. To prevent blood clots from forming, you’ll be encouraged to walk around as soon as it is safe to do so.

Is prazosin used for pheochromocytoma?

Prazosin was used to control the signs and symptoms of excessive alpha-adrenergic activity in four patients with pheochromocytomas. Long-term dosage requirements were predicted by the blood pressure response to a single 1-mg oral dose.

Why Beta blockers are contraindicated in pheochromocytoma?

Beta-blockers must never be started prior to adequate alpha-blockade, since in the absence of beta-2-mediated vasodilation, profound unopposed alpha-mediated vasoconstriction may lead to hypertensive crisis or pulmonary edema.

What drugs are contraindicated in pheochromocytoma?

Drugs that increase sympathetic tone such as ketamine, ephedrine, pancuronium, metoclopramide should not be used in patients with pheochromocytoma [22]. Histamine provoking drugs such as morphine and atracurium should also be avoided.

Can you take alpha blockers and beta blockers together?

Sometimes, a beta-blocker is combined with an alpha-blocker. This may be useful for men who have hypertension and an enlarged prostate. The alpha-blocker may help both problems at the same time. Other combinations may include an ACE inhibitor with a thiazide diuretic.

Why is methyldopa contraindicated in pheochromocytoma?

Methyldopa is relatively contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma. Methyldopa may interfere with laboratory tests for catecholamines. Methyldopa may also cause pressor responses in patients with a pheochromocytoma. Methyldopa should be used cautiously in patients with renal impairment or renal failure.

Which of the following antihypertensive drugs is contraindicated in a hypertensive patient with a pheochromocytoma?

As second regimen, the administration of vasodilators as calcium channel blockers (i.e., nicardipine, nifedipine) may be required to control BP. Oral and sublingual short-acting nifedipine are potentially dangerous in patients with hypertensive emergencies and are not recommend.

What blood tests are done for pheochromocytoma?

The most commonly ordered blood test for pheochromocytoma is the plasma free metanephrine test. Though more convenient to obtain than a 24-hour urine collection, plasma free metanephrine testing is plagued by frequent false positive results.

How do you do a 24-hour urine test for pheochromocytoma?

You must collect all the urine you produce in a 24-hour period.

  1. When you first get up in the morning, urinate into the toilet. …
  2. For the next 24 hours, collect all your urine. …
  3. Keep the large container in the refrigerator.
  4. Empty your bladder for the last time at or just before the end of the 24-hour period.

What is the urine test used to detect a pheochromocytoma?

Urine metanephrines testing is used to help detect or rule out the presence of a rare tumor called a pheochromocytoma or a paraganglioma that releases excess metanephrines. Since these tumors (PPGL) produce these hormones in excess, measuring the amount in the blood and/or urine may help detect the tumors.

Which of the following drug is used for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma?

Drugs used for Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis

Drug name Rating Rx/OTC
View information about phentolamine phentolamine Rate Rx
Generic name: phentolamine systemic Drug class: miscellaneous cardiovascular agents For consumers: dosage, interactions, side effects For professionals: AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information

What is another name for Tenormin?

Atenolol is known by the brand name Tenormin. Other brand names include Tenif (for atenolol mixed with nifedipine) and Co-tenidone (atenolol mixed with chlortalidone).

Is labetalol an alpha blocker?

Labetalol is a combined alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent for oral and intravenous use in the treatment of hypertension. It is a nonselective antagonist at beta-adrenoceptors and a competitive antagonist of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Why there is volume depletion in pheochromocytoma?

Intravascular volume depletion in patients with pheochromocytoma is the result of persistent vasoconstriction. Therefore, preoperative volume expansion is necessary to avoid profound perioperative hypotension.

What hormones does pheochromocytoma secrete?

These cells release certain hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), that help control many body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar.

Why there is postural hypotension in pheochromocytoma?

Hypotension (especially orthostatic) may be seen in patients with pheochromocytoma; it is considered a result of fluctuation in vascular tone and subsequent suppression of baroceptor signaling,10 , 11 , 12 , 13 and/or hypovolemia and/or downregulation of adrenergic receptors.