PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Abstract

A case of pheochromocytoma in a girl 11 years of age is reported. The difficulties in establishing the diagnosis as well as the other pathologic states which must be considered in the differential diagnosis of this condition are discussed. A new preparation, N,N-dibenzyl-B-chloroethylamine dibenamine®, was used in establishing the diagnosis and in the therapy of the case. The drug was found useful in reducing the hypertension but its preoperative use was apparently ill-advised. The case study confirms the findings of others that benzodioxane compounds are helpful diagnostic aids and that tetra-ethyl-ammonium chloride has little value in either the establishment of the diagnosis in or treatment of patients with pheochromocytoma. The problems associated with surgical care of patients with pheochromocytoma are discussed.