Unexpected adrenal pheochromocytoma associated with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in a prepubertal boy: A case report

RATIONALE: Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Most pediatric PHEOs are functional tumors, and clinical manifestations are related to catecholamine hypersecretion and/or tumor mass effects. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report here a case of a 10-year-old boy with a highly functional adrenal PHEO detected after the evaluation of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in the patient. His vital signs at admission were: blood pressure up to 220/135 mm Hg; pulse, 112 beats/min; temperature, 37.4°C; respiratory rate, 22 breaths/min. DIAGNOSIS: A 24-hour urine collection for catecholamines test showed a marked increase in Vanillylmandelic acid levels (338.9 μmol/L). An abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined left adrenal gland mass measuring ∼5 cm in its largest dimension. INTERVENTIONS: The mass was surgically removed, and histopathological examination revealed PHEO with low malignant potential (Adrenal Gland Scaled Score/PASS/ < 4). OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day in good condition. At 24-month follow-up, the patient was doing well without complications such as tumor recurrence, elevated blood pressure, and seizure. LESSONS: PHEO should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with seizures presenting in the emergency department. A multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of PHEO is also crucial for a successful outcome.