Recurrent pheochromocytoma at the contralateral adrenal gland: A case report

A case of recurrent pheochromocytoma of the left adrenal gland following resection of a right adrenal pheochromocytoma is reported. A 16 year-old male was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of hypertension in August, 1992. He had a history of right adrenal pheochromocytoma which had been resected in another hospital 4 years earlier. The recurrent tumor was located in thee left adrenal gland. We performed partial adrenalectomy retaining the intact part of the adrenal gland because the tumor was encapsulated and isolated. After the partial adrenalectomy, we began replacement of cortisol and stimulation of the remnant of the normal adrenal gland with ACTH Z. The remaining adrenal function was good, so we were able to taper off and terminate the replacement of cortisol, one month after surgery. Careful, long term follow up is necessary for this case.