Question

False about pheochromocytoma

• A. Propanolol is prefered drug for hypertension control
• B. Surgery is t/t of choice
• C. VMA are diagnostic test
• D. catecholamines are diagnostic test

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor originating from chromaffin cells, typically found in the adrenal medulla. Proper management of this condition is crucial due to the risk of potentially life-threatening hypertension and related complications.

Explanations for the Given Options:

• Propanolol is preferred drug for hypertension control: This statement is false. In pheochromocytoma, β-blockers like propranolol are not initially used alone because unopposed α-adrenergic receptor stimulation can worsen hypertension. Instead, non-selective α-blockers like phenoxybenzamine are used first for controlling hypertension.
• Surgery is t/t of choice: True. Surgery is the treatment of choice for pheochromocytoma to remove the tumor, which resolves the excessive catecholamine production.
• VMA are diagnostic test: True. Measurement of urinary vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), a metabolite of catecholamines, is one diagnostic method for pheochromocytoma.
• Catecholamines are diagnostic test: True. The measurement of plasma-free metanephrines and urinary catecholamines are reliable tests for diagnosing pheochromocytoma.