[Non-secreting pheochromocytoma of the broad ligament revealed by appendicular peritonitis].

BACKGROUND

Non-secreting pheochromocytoma is an endocrine tumor located in the adrenal medulla in 85% of the cases. Extra-adrenal localizations account for the other 15%. A broad ligament localization related to an accessory adrenal gland is exceptional.

CASE REPORT: A tumoral formation was observed during computed tomographic exploration of appendicular peritonitis in a 25-year-old patient. The tumor had developed from an ectopic adrenal gland included in the large ligament of the uterus. Pathology reported non-secreting pheochromocytoma confirmed by immunolabeling.

DISCUSSION: The broad ligament localization is exceptional for pheochromocytomas and may mislead diagnosis. Resection is the only treatment. Recurrence and metastases have been reported to develop in some cases many years later, particularly after incomplete resection. Pathogenically, this tumor is remnant embryonic chromaffin tissue issuing from the parasympathetic nodes and developing in an ectopic adrenal gland.