Bone and Microcirculatory Changes in a Child With Benign Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor arising in the adrenal medulla or from chromaffin tissue located elsewhere in the body. In 1963, a review of the world literature uncovered about 100 cases in children (12). The tumor may be either benign or malignant. While bone metastases have been seen in the malignant type (4), to our knowledge, bone changes have not been reported in the benign. Case Report S. W., a 12-year-old white male, was admitted Aug. 10, 1963, with a one-year history of repeated attacks of chest pain following exertion and a complaint of dull ankle pain for several months. Since the age of three years, he had experienced intermittent episodes of excessive sweating, headaches, generalized weakness, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a thin, anxious boy with a waddling-type gait. The hands were puffy and slightly cyanotic. The heart was slightly enlarged; there was a systolic murmur. No other abnormalities were noted. The child's blood pressure ranged from 215/150 to 140/70 mm Hg during t...