Clinical features of pheochromocytoma in young and middle-aged patients
Received: 2026-06-17 06:33:14
Published: 2026-05-21
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor associated with a high risk of life-threatening complications. In young and middle-aged patients, the disease is characterized by a high frequency of hereditary forms and significant clinical variability, which substantially hinders timely diagnosis. This study aimed to summarize modern data on clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and genetic features of pheochromocytoma in patients under 45 years of age. The analysis is based on publications from 2017–2024 indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and eLIBRARY. Results indicate that hereditary forms reach 50–80% in young patients, often presenting atypically with persistent arterial hypertension rather than the classic triad of symptoms. Germline mutations (SDHx, RET, VHL) are associated with increased risks of malignancy and recurrence. Biochemical diagnosis via metanephrines remains the key screening method, while modern approaches include mandatory genetic testing and functional imaging. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice, though hereditary forms require lifelong monitoring due to high recurrence rates. The findings emphasize the need for early screening in patients with unexplained hypertension and the implementation of multigene testing.
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