Robot-assisted cortical-sparing adrenalectomy in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau disease and bilateral pheochromocytomas separated by 9 years

J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2006 Oct;16(5):473-7. doi: 10.1089/lap.2006.16.473.

Abstract

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a heritable syndrome that confers an increased risk of developing various benign and malignant tumors to those with a germline mutation of the tumor suppressor gene. We present a case of a male patient who initially presented at age 9 with headaches, fevers, and fatigue. He was found to have a left pheochromocytoma which was successfully managed with open total adrenalectomy. He presented again at age 18 with a second pheochromocytoma in the right adrenal gland. DNA analysis revealed a de novo Val84Leu mutation in the Von Hippel-Lindau gene, not seen in either parent. The challenge presented was that of balancing the obvious benefits of cortical- sparing adrenalectomy with the risk of tumor recurrence in spared tissue. Ultimately, management consisted of a robot-assisted laparoscopic partial right adrenalectomy with successful preservation of adrenocortical function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenalectomy / methods*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / surgery*
  • Pheochromocytoma / etiology*
  • Pheochromocytoma / surgery*
  • Robotics*
  • Time Factors
  • von Hippel-Lindau Disease / complications*