Radiofrequency ablation of metastatic pheochromocytoma

J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009 Nov;20(11):1483-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jvir.2009.07.031.

Abstract

In the present report on the preliminary safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for pheochromocytoma metastases, seven metastases were treated in six patients (mean size, 3.4 cm; range, 2.2-6 cm). alpha- and beta-adrenergic and catecholamine synthesis inhibition and intraprocedural anesthesia monitoring were used. Safety was assessed by recording ablation-related complications. Complete ablation was defined as a lack of enhancement within the ablation zone on follow-up computed tomography. No serious adverse sequelae were observed. Complete ablation was achieved in six of seven metastases (mean follow-up, 12.3 months; range, 2.5-28 months). In conclusion, RF ablation may be safely performed for metastatic pheochromocytoma given careful attention to peri-procedural management.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pheochromocytoma / secondary*
  • Pheochromocytoma / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome