Diagnosis and Management of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Guide for the Clinician.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to provide a practical approach for clinicians regarding the diagnosis and management of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs).

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed was carried out using key words, including pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, treatment, diagnosis, screening, and management. The discussion of diagnosis and management of PPGL is based on the evidence available from prospective studies when available and mostly from cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and expert consensus.

RESULTS

PPGL are neuroendocrine tumors arising from the chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla and sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia, respectively. PPGL can be localized or metastatic, and they may secrete catecholamines, causing a variety of symptoms and potentially catastrophic and lethal complications if left untreated. The rarity of these tumors along with heterogeneous clinical presentation often poses challenges for the diagnosis and management. PPGL can be associated with several familial syndromes which are important to recognize.

CONCLUSION

The last few years have witnessed an exponential growth in the knowledge around PPGL. This review aims at providing a comprehensive discussion of current concepts for clinicians regarding clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, and management strategies for PPGL.