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2024 APR 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Investigators publish new report on pheochromocytoma. According to news originating from Allama [...]

2023 DEC 2 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Data detailed on Pheochromocytoma have been presented. According to news originating from [...]

A recent study from Brescia, Italy, published in Genomics & Genetics Weekly, explores the complexities of Pheochromocytoma-Paraganglioma Syndrome, rare tumors with diverse clinical presentations. The study highlights the importance of genetic testing in clinical care, as 40% of subjects have germline mutations in susceptibility genes. The research identifies different risk factors and molecular signatures that can guide tailored surveillance programs and potential customized therapies for patients with these tumors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focused on the clinical behavior of SDHB-associated Pheochromocytomas (PCC). The study found that these PCCs are rare and often present with advanced and recalcitrant disease, with a high rate of recurrence. The research highlighted the need for further studies to better understand the behavior of PCC in PGL-4. The findings were published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology and can provide valuable insights for medical professionals and researchers in the field of oncology. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Rennes in France conducted a study on adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, a type of cancer. The study aimed to identify risk factors for hemodynamic instability during surgery and its impact on postoperative outcomes. Results showed that hemodynamic instability occurred in 75.6% of patients, but major cardiovascular events were rare. Factors associated with hemodynamic instability included age, preoperative high blood pressure, tumor size, and urinary normetanephrine level. The study suggests a potential link between hemodynamic instability and postoperative cardiovascular events. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University in China discusses the nursing care provided to a 34-year-old female patient with recurrent pheochromocytoma. The patient experienced complications such as hypertensive crisis, acute heart failure, and acute renal failure, requiring interventions like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy. The case study highlights the successful management of bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma using absolute ethanol ablation followed by gelatin sponge particle embolization, with a focus on comprehensive nursing care to improve patient outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of a team approach in providing peri-procedure care, including patient positioning, monitoring, rehabilitation, and psychological support. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at University Hospital Ramon & Cajal in Madrid, Spain, have conducted a study on pheochromocytoma, rare neuroendocrine tumors that secrete catecholamines. The study emphasizes the importance of genetic testing in patients with pheochromocytomas, as 40% of cases are hereditary. The research provides a practical guide on the diagnosis and perioperative approach for patients with pheochromocytomas, recommending preoperative treatment with alpha blockers before adrenalectomy. This study has been peer-reviewed and offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals dealing with this condition. [Extracted from the article]

A report from investigators at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, China discusses the findings of their research on pheochromocytoma, a rare urological disease. The accurate segmentation of pheochromocytoma and its surrounding abdominal organs is crucial for surgical planning and preoperative diagnosis. The researchers propose a novel method for automatic multi-source migration segmentation and preoperative diagnostic grading of pheochromocytoma and its surrounding organs. Their proposed method achieves higher accuracy compared to other segmentation frameworks and effectively realizes efficient and automatic segmentation of pheochromocytoma and surrounding organs, as well as preoperative diagnostic classification. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) discusses the case of a 7-year-old boy with bilateral pheochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor. The boy's father also had bilateral pheochromocytomas at a young age. Both individuals had a novel in-frame duplication variant of the VHL gene, which is associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease. The study suggests that these in-frame duplications may cause pheochromocytomas in a similar way to missense variants. The researchers emphasize the importance of genetic analysis in diagnosing childhood-onset pheochromocytoma. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida has explored the effects of a polyamine pathway inhibitor called DENSPM on lipid metabolism in pheochromocytoma (PCC) cells. PCCs are tumors that arise from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. The study found that DENSPM treatment resulted in significant changes in gene expression associated with lipid metabolism, including fatty acid synthesis, desaturation, and import/uptake. The researchers also observed a decrease in plasmanyl ether lipid species, which are known to play a role in cancer cell fate. These findings suggest a connection between polyamine and lipid pathways in PCC cells. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Dallas has provided new insights into paragangliomas, a type of tumor. The study found that approximately 30-40% of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas have an underlying hereditary cause. Early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial due to the aggressive nature of these tumors and the associated risks of other cancers. The study analyzed the clinical presentations and genetic histories of patients with paragangliomas and identified two cohorts of patients with hereditary risk. The findings suggest that multigene panels can help identify individuals at risk for hereditary paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, examined the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with giant pheochromocytomas (PHEO), which are defined as tumors larger than or equal to 10 cm. The study found that patients with giant PHEOs experienced more symptoms of catecholamine excess and had a higher prevalence of severe catecholamine excess compared to patients with non-giant PHEOs. Additionally, patients with giant PHEOs had a higher rate of perioperative complications and a higher risk of developing metastases. The study suggests that close follow-up is necessary for patients with giant PHEOs due to the increased risk of metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center provides an overview of the management of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (mPPGL). These rare neuroendocrine tumors can cause excessive catecholamine production, leading to complications such as uncontrolled hypertension. While surgery can cure localized disease, treatments for metastatic mPPGL aim to control tumor growth and limit organ damage. The paper discusses various therapy options, including chemotherapy, radiopharmaceutical agents, multikinase inhibitors, and immunotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland discusses Von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHL), a hereditary syndrome that increases the risk of developing benign and malignant tumors. The report focuses on a family of five patients with vHL, all of whom were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma (PHEO) during childhood. The family had a specific gene variant associated with an increased risk of PHEO. The researchers emphasize the importance of regular screening and imaging tests for patients with vHL to detect and treat the disease early. They also highlight the need for long-term care for patients with vHL due to the complexity and potential coexistence of other pathologies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research provides new insights into pheochromocytoma, a type of cancer. The study focused on a 23-year-old female patient who presented with symptoms such as headache, palpitation, and hypertensive spells. The researchers found that high uptake in brown adipose tissue (BAT) can make interpretation of FDG PET scans difficult and misleading. They suggest precautions such as avoiding cold and beta blockers to minimize BAT uptake in these scans. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health has compared the diagnostic performance of different imaging techniques for detecting spinal bone metastases associated with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). The study found that [Ga-68]DOTATATE PET/CT had the highest detection rate of 98.7%, surpassing [F-18]FDG PET/CT, MRI of the spine, whole-body CT, and whole-body MRI. The researchers concluded that [Ga-68]DOTATATE PET/CT should be the preferred modality for detecting PPGL-related spinal bone metastases. This study provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers in the field of oncology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development highlights the presence of somatic ATRX variants in metastatic pheochromocytoma. The report focuses on four patients with these variants and provides detailed information on their clinical presentation, including biochemistry and imaging, as well as their management. The study found that all four patients developed widespread metastatic disease and presented with a noradrenergic biochemical phenotype. Functional imaging scans showed that 18F-FDOPA PET/CT was the most effective modality for lesion detection. The patients did not respond to chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but they did respond to targeted radiotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University in China explored the use of radiomics models based on conventional CT scan images and enhanced CT images to differentiate between pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and lipid-poor adrenal adenoma (LPA). The study analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 332 patients with confirmed PHEO or LPA. The results showed that radiomics signatures and nomograms based on CT images can be used to predict and identify PHEO and LPA. The model based on conventional CT images demonstrated high identification and prediction efficiency, potentially avoiding the need for further enhancement scanning and reducing patient exposure to radiation and contrast agents. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, China, explored the immune microenvironment of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), which are rare neuroendocrine tumors. The study found that PPGLs with SDHx mutations have a higher potential for metastasis, and patients with metastatic diseases have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. The researchers focused on understanding the infiltration of immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints in the tumor immune microenvironment of PPGLs, aiming to provide insights for novel treatment strategies for metastatic PPGLs. This information may be useful for individuals conducting research on cancer, oncology, endocrinology, and health and medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A case report from Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, describes the successful treatment of a woman in her 20s who experienced a pheochromocytoma crisis induced by paraganglioma. The patient was treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and underwent tumor resection. The use of VA-ECMO played a significant role in saving the patient's life and providing time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment. The research highlights the importance of individualized management to avoid complications associated with ECMO. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Hackensack University Medical Center in the United States has shed light on the diagnostic challenges posed by pheochromocytomas, a type of tumor that can present with diverse clinical manifestations. The researchers reported a case of a 41-year-old female patient with no significant medical history who presented with acute coronary syndrome. Despite having non-obstructive coronary arteries, she experienced a myocardial infarction. Further investigation revealed the presence of a pheochromocytoma, and the patient's condition was complicated by a thyroid storm and fatal cardiac arrest. The study highlights the importance of considering pheochromocytoma as a possible diagnosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome, particularly those with erratic blood pressure, and emphasizes the need for early recognition and diagnosis to improve outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic examined the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with giant pheochromocytoma (PHEO), a rare type of cancer. The study found that patients with giant PHEO experienced more symptoms of catecholamine excess and had a higher prevalence of severe catecholamine excess compared to patients with non-giant PHEO. Additionally, patients with giant PHEO had a higher rate of perioperative complications and a higher risk of developing metastases. The study suggests that patients with giant PHEO require close follow-up due to the increased risk of complications and metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent research study from Medical University provides an update on the understanding of pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor originating from the adrenal medulla. The study highlights the importance of genetic testing for patients with chromaffin tumors, as many patients harbor genetic mutations. Diagnosis is confirmed through elevated levels of metanephrines or normetanephrines in the plasma or urine, and radiological imaging aids in tumor localization. Surgery is the recommended treatment, with lifelong follow-up necessary. The study emphasizes the need for adequate pharmacological preparation for surgery and continuous monitoring after treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent case report from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Yazd, Iran, highlights a 10-year-old patient diagnosed with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndrome type 1 (PPGL1). The patient initially presented with atypical symptoms such as polyuria and polydipsia, but further investigations revealed a pheochromocytoma tumor in the adrenal gland. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel pathogenic variant in the SDHD gene, indicating PPGL1. This study emphasizes the importance of considering atypical symptoms and utilizing genetic testing for accurate diagnosis and personalized management of rare pediatric pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma tumors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan have published a report on pheochromocytoma, a malignant tumor with metastatic potential. The study focuses on the significance of resection of metastases in reducing catecholamine production, which impacts prognosis. The researchers present a case in which multiple lung resections for metastases from pheochromocytoma were performed, resulting in complete resection of six pulmonary lesions and maintaining reduced catecholamine levels and blood pressure without recurrence for a year. This research provides valuable insights into the treatment of pheochromocytoma and its impact on patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, explores the case of a healthy male with a large adrenal cyst who presented with symptoms of catecholamine excess, similar to those seen in pheochromocytoma. The patient's symptoms were resolved after surgical removal of the cyst. The study provides valuable insight into the evaluation and management of this unique clinical scenario. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ramaiah Medical College in South India examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), which are relatively uncommon neoplasms found in 2% of apparently healthy individuals. The study enrolled 62 AI patients and analyzed their clinical, biochemical, and radiological profiles, as well as the histopathological outcomes of those who underwent adrenalectomy. The findings revealed that pheochromocytoma was the second most common tumor after adenoma, and that thorough evaluation and surgery should be considered for lesions larger than 4 cm. This study provides valuable baseline data on AI patients in South India. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on research from Children's Hospital Westmead comparing imaging techniques for functional pheochromocytoma in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Topics include the effectiveness of Ga-68-DOTATATE PET/CT versus I-123-MIBG SPECT/CT, the identification and treatment of adrenal lesions, and the resolution of hypertension and elevated plasma catecholamines following treatment.

A recent study conducted in Uttar Pradesh, India, highlights an unusual medical case involving a 26-year-old female with a hydatid cyst who was unexpectedly found to have an adrenal pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor producing catecholamines. The patient initially complained of persistent right upper abdominal pain, and imaging revealed a cystic lesion resembling a hydatid cyst. During surgery, unexpected arrhythmia and electrocardiographic changes led to the suspicion of acute coronary syndrome, halting the procedure. Further investigation confirmed the presence of an adrenal pheochromocytoma. The study emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing cystic pheochromocytomas, which can lead to intraoperative complications and misdiagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discusses the detection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), which are rare tumors with metastatic potential. The study proposes an automated method for detecting PPGLs in CT scans using weak 3D annotations. The researchers trained 2D and 3D nnUNet models on a dataset of CT scans from 255 patients with confirmed PPGLs. The 3D model achieved a detection precision of 70% and sensitivity of 64.1%, outperforming the 2D model. The study concludes that automated PPGL detection shows promise and could reduce the manual effort required by radiologists. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University of Brescia in Italy provides fresh data on paragangliomas, a type of cancer that frequently leads to skeletal complications. The study aimed to describe the frequency of adverse skeletal related events (SREs) in patients with bone-metastatic paragangliomas. The research found that SREs occurred in 31% of patients, with bone fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia being the most common events. Factors associated with a reduced risk of SREs and improved survival included I-131-MIBG radionuclide therapy, absence of liver metastases, and treatment with bone resorption inhibitors. The study concluded that these therapies are associated with favorable outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Amsterdam University Medical Center examined the effects of omitting preoperative alpha-blockade dose-escalation in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. The study found that employing a de-escalated preoperative alpha-blockade protocol was safe and resulted in a shorter hospital stay. The primary outcome of intraoperative hypertension was not significantly different between the de-escalated and dose-escalated groups, but the de-escalated group had a shorter duration of postoperative norepinephrine administration, lower rates of postoperative symptomatic hypotension, and a shorter hospital stay. The study suggests that the current practice of preoperative alpha-blockade dose-escalation may not be necessary for pheochromocytoma resection. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses research by S. W. Gnanathayalan and colleagues, reported in the Asian Journal of Internal Medicine issue on August 19, 2024. The study examines a case where ischemic stroke was the initial presentation of a pheochromocytoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), highlighting the need for increased suspicion of pheochromocytoma in NF1 patients, as histology confirmed the diagnosis following adrenalectomy.

A recent study conducted at Ibn Sina University Hospital focused on multiple endocrine neoplasia, specifically pheochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor characterized by excessive secretion of catecholamines. The study highlighted the atypical presentation of cystic adrenal pheochromocytoma, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis through comprehensive diagnostic approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists. The researchers concluded that timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment strategies and optimizing patient outcomes. The full study can be accessed in Radiology Case Reports. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Nanjing University Medical School aimed to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in differentiating pheochromocytoma from adrenal tumors with positive biochemical testing results. The researchers compared 35 pheochromocytoma patients with 27 non-pheochromocytoma patients and found that the T2-weighted signal intensity in patients with pheochromocytoma was higher than in other adrenal tumors. The T2-weighted signal intensity ratio was identified as an independent risk factor for the differential diagnosis of adrenal pheochromocytomas. The study concluded that the T2-weighted signal intensity ratio can effectively differentiate pheochromocytoma from non-pheochromocytoma cases with positive biochemical testing results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland focused on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and pheochromocytoma (PCC), which are malignancies originating from different layers of the adrenal gland. ACCs are often detected at advanced stages and have a poor prognosis, while PCCs are mostly benign but can result in metastasis. The study highlights the need for novel preclinical models and drug screening approaches to identify more effective treatments for both ACCs and PCCs. The researchers provide a review of the currently available human and murine cell lines for these tumor entities. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Division of Endocrinology discusses the challenges of diagnosing secondary hypertension in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and advanced chronic kidney disease. The report presents a rare case of pheochromocytoma in an ADPKD patient, highlighting the difficulties in identifying secondary hypertension due to pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The patient experienced recurrent hypertensive crises, and the diagnosis of PPGL was confirmed through elevated plasma metanephrines and magnetic resonance imaging. The report concludes that PPGL should be considered in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and beta-blocker intolerance, even in the presence of other etiologic mechanisms such as ESRD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Padova in Italy discusses the genetic and molecular biomarkers in aggressive pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). PPGLs are rare neoplasms that produce catecholamines and can occur as hereditary syndromes in a significant percentage of cases. The report highlights the challenges in accurately predicting the risk of aggressive behavior in these tumors and emphasizes the need for lifelong follow-up in PPGL patients. The study also explores promising prognostic factors, such as genetic and molecular markers, and suggests potential pathways for tumorigenesis and targeted drug development. However, the rarity of these tumors and the limited number of cases in available studies pose obstacles to validating the role of molecular markers as reliable predictors of aggressiveness. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in India examined the characteristics of bilateral adrenal lesions, specifically focusing on pheochromocytoma. The study found that the etiologies of unilateral and bilateral adrenal lesions can differ, with bilateral tumors more likely to have hereditary or syndromic associations. The most common presentations of bilateral adrenal lesions were adrenal insufficiency and fever. The study also identified various underlying causes of the lesions, including histoplasmosis, pheochromocytoma, metastases, adrenal hyperplasia, and others. The researchers concluded that the approach to bilateral adrenal lesions differs from that of unilateral lesions due to differences in etiologies and the role of genetics. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in China have conducted a literature review and cluster analysis of 172 cases to examine the in-hospital adverse events of pheochromocytoma-induced takotsubo syndrome (Pheo-TTS). They found that the absence of chest pain, the presence of abdominal symptoms, pulmonary rales, and atypical TTS imaging phenotype were independent predictors of in-hospital complications for Pheo-TTS patients. The study highlights the importance of early identification of risk factors at admission to effectively stratify risk and minimize complications in Pheo-TTS patients. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare and highly malignant tumor of the adrenal gland. ACC shares similar characteristics with the less malignant pheochromocytoma (PHEO), making accurate diagnosis challenging but important. The study aimed to differentiate between ACC and PHEO using radiomics features based on contrast-enhanced CT. The researchers developed and tested a radiomics model that exhibited a significant improvement in diagnostic performance over experienced radiologists, which may aid clinical decision making and improve treatment outcomes for ACC. This is the first multi-institutional study to develop an interpretable radiomics model for differentiating between ACC and PHEO. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons examined the use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor axitinib in the management of patients with progressive pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. The study found that axitinib was well-tolerated and resulted in a partial response in 35.3% of patients, with a median reduction in tumor measurements of 34% and a median duration of response of 7.4 months. The study concluded that axitinib, along with sunitinib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, showed strong evidence of efficacy in managing these malignancies. The study was prematurely terminated by the sponsor. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez have reported new findings on pheochromocytoma, a rare disease with uncommon familial occurrence. The researchers presented a case study of a three-generation familial occurrence of pheochromocytoma, where a VHL mutation was suspected and confirmed. The study highlights the importance of molecular genetics methodologies in assisting genetic counseling for cases of pheochromocytoma with familial aggregation. The full research article can be accessed for free through the Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that produces catecholamines and sometimes ACTH, causing Cushing syndrome, has been published. The study presents the case of a 71-year-old woman with cyclic ectopic ACTH secretion from a pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent adrenalectomy and experienced normalization of blood pressure and suppression of cortisol and ACTH levels. The study emphasizes the importance of considering pheochromocytoma in cases of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with elevated metanephrines and an adrenal mass. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from Yanbian University in Jilin, China, focused on the rare occurrence of synchronous liver metastasis at the initial diagnosis of adrenal pheochromocytoma. The study described the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with liver pain and fatigue, and was subsequently diagnosed with pheochromocytoma of the right adrenal gland with liver metastasis. The patient underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but unfortunately experienced recurrence and metastasis. The study highlights the importance of imaging findings in the clinical diagnosis of metastatic pheochromocytoma. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Kanazawa University Hospital compared the diagnostic efficacy of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) and radioiodine-labeled meta-iodo-benzylguanidine (mIBG) imaging in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). The study included 13 patients with pheochromocytoma and 5 with paraganglioma. The results showed that WB-MRI had comparable diagnostic accuracy to mIBG imaging. The study provides valuable insights into the detection of metastatic lesions in these types of tumors. [Extracted from the article]