Multiple neuroectodermal abnormalities in pheochromocytoma patients

A series of 80 consecutive pheochromocytoma patients operated on from 1956 to 1985 were investigated for other neuroectodermal abnormalities. Such abnormalities were found in 23 (29%) patients. Medullary thyroid carcinoma was the most common associated neuroectodermal abnormality followed by von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. Other abnormalities were intracranial tumors, midgut carcinoid, and parathyroid hyperplasia. All 6 patients with multiple pheochromocytomas had other neuroectodermal abnormalities. In the total series, the 14 patients with hereditary disease had multiple neuroectodermal abnormalities (MNA). Hypertension occurred significantly less often in MNA patients (p<0.05). All the MNA patients had benign adrenal pheochromocytoma. In 7 of 9 normotensive patients, pheochromocytoma was suspected because of the presence of other neuroectodermal abnormalities. None of these 9 patients had any cardio‐ or cerebrovascular complications, but these occurred in 22% of the hypertensive patients. No patient in the series died from pheochromocytoma, but 4 of 5 deceased MNA patients died as a result of their associated neuroectodermal disease. During the last decade, 40% of the pheochromocytoma patients had MNA diagnosed compared to 20% during the previous period. An increased observation for other neuroectodermal abnormalities in pheochromocytoma patients and for pheochromocytoma in patients with neuroectodermal abnormalities should lead to earlier diagnosis and a better prognosis for the patients concerned.