Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in Yaoundé (Cameroon) : a study of nine cases
Takongmo, S.; Wawo Yonta, E.; Gonsu Kamga, H.; Ngongang, J.; Simo-Moyo, J.; Essame Oyono, J.L.; Nko'o, S.
Medecine Tropicale Revue du Corps de Sante Colonial 70(3): 274-276
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-682X PMID: 20734598 Document Number: 647642
The aim of this study was to describe methods used for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma inYaoundé, Cameroon. This retrospective study was based on analysis of the charts of patients treated in the surgical department of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital from 1985 to 2009. Nine patients with histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma were identified. There were 8 women and 1 man with a mean age of 39.5 years (range, 12 and 66). Pheochromocytoma was associated with hypertension in 6 cases. In two women with hypertension, diagnosis was based on palpation of an abdominal tumor after caesarean section following pregnancy associated with arterial hypertension. In another woman, diagnosis was made during laparotomy for a left hypochondrial tumor. In 7 patients, diagnosis was based on laboratory findings showing high urinary levels of vanyl mandelic acid (VMA). In six patients, ultrasound examination allowed topographic diagnosis that was confirmed by CT-scan in 3 cases. Two patients presented extra-renal pheochromocytomas in the abdomen. In three patients, i.e., one third of cases, histology showed malignant features. The findings of this study indicated that diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in Yaoundé be improved with the introduction MRI, scintigraphy, and modern techniques for assaying urinary methoxyderivates.