Chen JC, Zhuang DZ, Luo C, Chen WQ. Malignant pheochromocytoma with cerebral and skull metastasis: A case report and literature review.
World J Clin Cases 2021;
9:2791-2800. [PMID:
33969061 PMCID:
PMC8058670 DOI:
10.12998/wjcc.v9.i12.2791]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Malignant pheochromocytoma with cerebral and skull metastasis is a very rare disease. Combining our case with 16 previously reported cases identified from a PubMed search, an analysis of 17 cases of malignant cerebral pheochromocytoma was conducted. This literature review aimed to provide information on clinical manifestations, radiographic and histopathological features, and treatment strategies of this condition.
CASE SUMMARY
A 60-year-old man was admitted with a progressive headache and enlarging scalp mass lasting for 3 mo. Radiographic images revealed a left temporal biconvex-shaped epidural mass and multiple lytic lesions. The patient underwent a left temporal craniotomy for resection of the temporal tumor. Histopathological analysis led to identification of the mass as malignant pheochromocytoma. The patient's symptoms were alleviated at the postoperative 3-mo clinical follow-up. However, metastatic pheochromocytoma lesions were found on the right 6th rib and the 6th to 9th thoracic vertebrae on a 1-year clinical follow-up computed tomography scan.
CONCLUSION
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and histopathological examination are necessary to make an accurate differential diagnosis between malignant cerebral pheochromocytoma and meningioma. Surgery is regarded as the first choice of treatment.
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