A tumor of the adrenal medulla causing excess catecholamines is known as which condition?

• A. Leiomyoma
• B. Pheochromocytoma
• C. Sarcoma
• D. Pituitary tumor

Answer: (B)

A tumor of the adrenal medulla that releases excess catecholamines is pheochromocytoma. The adrenal medulla contains chromaffin cells that produce catecholamines (primarily epinephrine and norepinephrine) in response to sympathetic activation. When a tumor arises from these cells, it can overproduce these catecholamines, leading to episodic or sustained symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, palpitations, and anxiety. Clinically, patients may experience spells with sudden hypertension plus tachycardia and diaphoresis.

Understanding the origin helps: pheochromocytoma is tied to the neural crest–derived chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, and the ensuing catecholamine excess directly explains the symptom pattern. Diagnosis is typically by measuring plasma-free metanephrines or 24-hour urine metanephrines and catecholamines, with imaging to locate the tumor. Treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor, preceded by careful alpha-adrenergic blockade to prevent perioperative hypertensive crises.

Leiomyoma is a smooth muscle tumor, often in the uterus or GI tract, not linked to catecholamine excess. Sarcoma is a malignant connective tissue tumor with no specific relation to catecholamine overproduction. Pituitary tumors arise from the pituitary gland and alter other hormonal pathways, not adrenal catecholamine secretion.