Quando hipertensão arterial persistente no adolescente tem uma origem endócrina rara: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura

Abstract

Este artigo está licenciado sob forma de uma licença Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Internacional, que permite uso irrestrito, distribuição e reprodução em qualquer meio, desde que a publicação original seja corretamente citada. ABSTRACT AIMS: To report two clinical cases of pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor in the pediatric population, that affects the adrenal medulla, is malignant in up to 47% of cases, and whose clinical manifestations result from hypersecretion of catecholamines. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two cases of pheochromocytoma in adolescents are described, both with persistent hypertension and one with headache, sweating, and tachycardia. Renal and adrenal ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, and measurements of catecholamines and their metabolites revealed pheochromocytoma in the left adrenal gland. Adrenalectomy was performed after pretreatment with α-blockers. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Blood pressure returned to normal in both patients after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pheochromocytoma has a varied and nonspecific clinical presentation, but this condition should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of high blood pressure. Early diagnosis may imply a less aggressive treatment, lower morbidity, and a lesser impact on patients' quality of life. The high likelihood of recurrence of pheochromocytoma, including as metastatic disease, requires follow-up visits for several years after its initial clinical presentation, even in the case of an apparent cure.