ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical features of the retroperitoneal paralangliomas. MethodClinical data of 34 patients with retroperitoneal paragangliomas who underwent surgery in our hospital between January 2005 and January 2015 were enrolled, all patients diagnosed by pathological examination. ResultsClinical manifestation: hypertension (n=4) and headache (n=1) were the main symptoms in all 5 patients with functional tumor. Abdominal distension (n=14) or abdominal pain (n=11) were the initial symptoms in patients with nonfunctional tumor, gastrointes-tinal obstruction was observed in 1 patient, the other 3 patients were diagnosed accidently among the 29 patients with nonfunctional tumors. Blood and urine catecholamines increased notly in 5 patients with functional tumor, increased mildly in 2 patients with nonfunctional tumor; and remained at a normal level in the other patients. All the 34 patients underwent surgery, 4 patients with nonfunctional tumors who suffered from vessel wrapped needed tumor resection combining with main vessel resection or reconstruction, 1 of the 4 patients presented with vascular wall invasion. Two patients presented with lymph-vascular invasion of patients didn't received vessel resection or reconstruction. The mean value of diameter of these tumors was (9.5±5.1) cm (3.5-18.5 cm). Twenty four tumors had complete capsule, the other 10 had partial capsule; 32 tumors were well differentiated, and other 2 patients had apparent strange nucleus. Among the 34 patients, G1 tumors were confirmed in 14 patients and G2 tumors were confirmed in 20 patients. All the 34 patients were followed up with a mean value of follow-up time of 52 months (1-105 months). During the follow-up period, 6 patients suffered from recurrence and 6 patients died. The 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 86.0% and 81.5%, respectively. ConclusionsRadical resection may be the only measure to cure retroperitoneal paragangliomas. Tumor combining with vascular resection or reconstruction provide a chance for patients with ‘unresectable tumors’.
Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) is a potential fatal cardiovascular complication caused by excessive secretion of catecholamines by PPGL, leading to structural changes and functional abnormalities in the heart. According to the morphology and function of the heart, it is clinically divided into three types: dilated cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The treatment of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy in PPGL requires attention to drug selection, application of life support equipment, and perioperative management. Most patients with cardiac dysfunction can effectively improve after tumor resection. This article mainly reviews the diagnosis and treatment of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy in PPGL.