Editing Adrenal: Pheochromocytoma (section)

=== Post-operative follow-up ===
* '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Repeat metabolic testing should be performed ≈2 weeks after adrenalectomy to document normalization of catecholamine levels'''
* Postoperative cross-sectional imaging is reasonable to document tumor resection and appropriate healing of the resection bed.
** Subsequent imaging should be guided by results of biochemical testing
* '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Annual biochemical follow-up is mandatory for all patients with resected pheochromocytoma.'''
* '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Lifelong screening for recurrence is recommended'''
** 10-year recurrence rates are as high as 16%.
** No consensus on follow-up protocols exists.
* In a patient with persistent hypertension 2-3 months after adrenalectomy, residual tumor somewhere else in the body must be considered. The patient should initially have plasma free metanephrine levels measured. If this is abnormal, MIBG scan may be helpful in identifying the location of this lesion.