Pheochromocytoma hypertension medication

Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

Updated on September 01, 2024

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For pheochromocytoma, it is often recommended to use adrenergic receptor blockers for the treatment of hypertension. These can be divided into α-adrenergic receptor blockers and β-adrenergic receptor blockers. In addition, all other types of antihypertensive drugs can also be used frequently during treatment. For example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers also play a helpful role in the treatment of pheochromocytoma. Besides pharmacological treatment, the fundamental approach is to perform qualitative and localization diagnosis, and after confirmation, to surgically remove the pheochromocytoma completely to fundamentally achieve therapeutic goals.

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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

1min 8sec

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What should I do if pheochromocytoma causes excessive sweating?

Patients with pheochromocytoma generally exhibit profuse sweating, which is a manifestation of sympathetic excitement. This occurs because the capillary beds throughout the body of a person with pheochromocytoma are constricted, including the sweat glands. Thus, it is easy to exhibit these symptoms of sympathetic excitement, characterized by nervousness, heavy sweating, and weight loss. So, how should this be treated? The key is to treat the cause. In the clinic, after collecting some blood history, conducting various blood tests, and performing adrenal CT scans among other imaging studies, a clear diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is made. Then, we will use some alpha receptor blockers, one to lower the blood pressure to a normal range and another to dilate the capillary beds throughout the body. After this, we proceed with the related surgical treatment. Following the surgical removal of the tumor, symptoms such as sweating will gradually be relieved.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

44sec

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Can a pheochromocytoma be treated without surgery?

For pheochromocytoma, it is still best to receive surgical treatment. Conservative treatment through medication alone has limited effects. In most cases, gradually increasing blood pressure leads to serious symptoms or signs in the patient, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, labored breathing, chest pain, accompanied by profuse sweating, and even severe panic and feelings of impending doom, posing serious life-threatening risks to the patient. In terms of treatment, it is advised to prioritize surgical removal of the tumor, as this can fundamentally lead to a complete cure. Additionally, appropriate medication can be used before and after the surgery to assist in treatment.

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Written by Li Pei

Neurosurgery

36sec

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How to test for pheochromocytoma?

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland. The tumor secretes a large amount of catecholamines, causing an increase in blood pressure. Diagnostic tests for pheochromocytoma can include a CT scan and MRI of the adrenal glands to confirm the presence of any adrenal mass. Additionally, ultrasound can also be used as an auxiliary test to help confirm the diagnosis. It is also advisable to check the levels of catecholamines in the blood and urine to further confirm the presence of an adrenal pheochromocytoma.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

45sec

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Pheochromocytoma clinical manifestations

Pheochromocytoma typically presents with severe hypertension, with blood pressure even reaching above 200/140 mmHg, accompanied by significant discomfort, such as profuse sweating, chest pain, obvious difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and other clinical manifestations. Moreover, if not treated timely and effectively, it can even lead to a hypertensive crisis. It also poses a severe threat to the patient’s heart, kidneys, liver, and brain tissues. Some patients might develop cerebrovascular diseases due to very high blood pressure, such as hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, which can threaten the patient's life.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

47sec

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Which department should I go to for pheochromocytoma?

When pheochromocytoma occurs, it is generally recommended to visit the endocrinology department of a local hospital. Pheochromocytoma refers to tumors originating from the neuroectoderm, specifically chromaffin tissue. These tumors usually secrete catecholamines and can be classified into various types based on their origin. Patients typically exhibit a pronounced hypermetabolic state, such as malignant hypertension or hyperglycemia, and some suffer significant damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain tissue due to malignant hypertension. For instance, this can lead to heart failure or hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, severely threatening the patient's life. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention.