Abstract
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare and relatively unknown complication of phaeochromocytoma÷ paraganglioma (PCC÷PGL). Its pathophysiology can be explained by the hypersecretion of catecholamines, which may reduce the peristaltic activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, this can result in chronic constipation, intestinal pseudo-obstruction or even intestinal perforation. We conducted a comprehensive literature search and retrieved 34 cases of pseudo-obstruction caused by either benign or malignant PCC÷PGL. We also included a case from our centre that has not been described earlier. We conclude that intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of PCC÷PGL. Intravenous administration of phentolamine is the most frequently described treatment when surgical resection of the PCC÷PGL is not feasible.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 512-517 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | The Netherlands Journal of Medicine |
Volume | 71 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - Dec-2013 |
Keywords
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
- paraganglioma
- phaeochromocytoma
- treatment
- ACUTE COLONIC PSEUDOOBSTRUCTION
- MALIGNANT PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA
- PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION
- PARALYTIC ILEUS
- ALPHA-METHYLTYROSINE
- SEVERE CONSTIPATION
- PRESENTING FEATURE
- OGILVIES SYNDROME
- PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA
- MANAGEMENT