A case of adrenal pheochromocytoma with normotention and normal levels of urinary excretion of catecholamines

A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further examination of right adrenal mass accidentally pointed out by ultrasonogram. He had no symptoms and no physiological abnormalities. Endcrinological examinations revealed normal adrenocortical function, excluding the possibility of functioning adrenocortical adenoma. Pheochromocytoma seemed to be also unlikely since 24-hr urinary excretion of catecholamines were within normal limits. The tumor was surgically removed and histopathologically diagnosed as pheochromocytoma. This case of adrenal incidentaloma is unique in that little sign of pheochromocytoma was presented before operation. The reasons were discussed especially in respect of tissue contents of catecholamines and opioid peptide in comparison with other cases with pheochromocytoma we had experienced.