抄録
Pheochromocytomas are functionally active tumors which occur most commonly in the adrenal medulla but which can also develop in an extra-adrenal site. Over 90% of pheochromocytomas including extra-adrenal tumors are located between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. Only two previous reports of pheochromocytoma originating from the cervical sympathetic chain were found in the literature. A thrid case of pheochromocytoma originating from the cervical sympathetic chain is presented.
The patient was a 18-year-old boy who was admitted to the Sapporo Medical College Hospital, because of attacks of palpitation, headache, generalized sweating and numbness in the four extremities during the past three years. Paroxysmal hypertention was noted and a high level of noradrenalin in plasma and urine was shown. The patient was diagnosed as having a pheochromocytoma. However, it was difficult to detect the tumor. A tumor, which was situated on the right side of the neck at the angle of the jaw became enlarged and palpable after one year. Selective angiography and CT were performed, and the tumor was removed. The tumor, which was 6×3.5×3.5 cm in size, had originated in the right superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. A pathological examination showed chromaffin paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma. The postoperative course was uneventful.
