Cardiac phaeochromocytoma localized with 131I-meta-iodo-benzyl guanidine scintigraphy

The authors report on the case of a patient with cardiac phaeochromocytoma localized only by 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Surgery showed that the tumour was localized in the wall of the left ventricle. This site was previously described in only a single case. Tumour removal was followed by death in the immediate postoperative period. During the six-year period before the tumour was localized the patient's blood pressure was adequately controlled by α-adrenergic blocking drugs. The authors suggest that medical treatment presents less risk in certain cases tha surgical treatment. (author)