Work

Bilateral Pheochromocytoma in a Child Revealing Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report the case of a 14-year-old boy admitted with malignant hypertension, headaches, vomiting, and generalized seizures. Clinical, biochemical, and imaging evaluations revealed bilateral adrenal masses with elevated plasma metanephrines, consistent with bilateral pheochromocytoma. After preoperative preparation with an alpha-blocker, the patient underwent right adrenalectomy, and histopathological analysis confirmed a low-aggressive pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively, his blood pressure normalized, catecholamine levels returned to normal, and cardiac function improved. Genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene, confirming the diagnosis of VHL disease. A 14-month follow-up showed clinical stability, no recurrence, and no additional tumors during systematic screening. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and genetic screening in pediatric pheochromocytoma, especially in bilateral cases, to guide treatment and long-term surveillance.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84781

Authors: Nadia Echcharii, Nabila Chekhlabi, Amal Rami, Amal Miqdadi, Nezha Dini

Institutions: Université Mohammed VI des Sciences et de la Santé, Hôpital Universitaire International Cheikh Khalifa

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410718925