Diagnosis and treatment of bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma with RET gene mutation combined with medullary sponge kidney: A case report

Pheochromocytomas are a group of tumors with high genetic heterogeneity, and the clinical characteristics of rearranged during transfection (RET)-mutated pheochromocytoma with medullary spongiform kidney are rarely studied. The treatment process of 1 patient with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma combined with medullary sponge kidney with RET gene mutation in our department was retrospectively analyzed, and the treatment methods for this type of disease were studied and summarized in combination with relevant literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this case, the patient was found to have bilateral adrenal masses for 8 years due to physical examination, and intermittent dizziness and discomfort for 2 years. Imaging and related laboratory examinations suggest bilateral adrenal giant pheochromocytoma with bilateral medullary sponge kidney. RET gene testing was performed on the patient and his descendant after signing the informed consent form. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma with a RET proto-oncogene mutation and a bilateral medullary spongy kidney. INTERVISION AND OUTCOMES: After sufficient perioperative preparation, retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma resection was performed by stages. The operation was successful, and hormone replacement therapy was performed after the operation, with regular follow-up. Relevant genetic testing revealed that the c.1900T > C: p.C634R mutation was detected in the patient’s RET gene, which was a heterozygous missense mutation, and the mutation was also present in the son of his family. A literature analysis found that pheochromocytoma is a tumor with high genetic heterogeneity, and the RET proto-oncogene is a common pathogenic gene for bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma. Medullary sponging of kidneys is a rare complication of this disease. LESSONS: On the basis of adequate perioperative preparation, surgical resection is the most effective and preferred treatment for this type of disease. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, safe, and effective by stages. Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene may lead to medullary spongy kidneys in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2.