A 34-year-old man complains of sudden attacks of dizziness, blurred vision, and excruciating headaches of 4 months in duration. During one of these attacks, his blood pressure was 180/120 mm Hg. The patient’s father had been treated for thyroid cancer about 15 years ago. Laboratory studies show normal serum levels of aldosterone, renin, and angiotensin. A 24-hour urinalysis reveals increased metanephrines. Episodic hypeension in this patient is most likely caused by a tumor in which of the following endocrine organs?
A 34-year-old man complains of sudden attacks of dizziness, blurred vision, and excruciating headaches of 4 months in duration. During one of these attacks, his blood pressure was 180/120 mm Hg. The patient’s father had been treated for thyroid cancer about 15 years ago. Laboratory studies show normal serum levels of aldosterone, renin, and angiotensin. A 24-hour urinalysis reveals increased metanephrines. Episodic hypeension in this patient is most likely caused by a tumor in which of the following endocrine organs?
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms suggest episodic hypertension with associated headaches and visual disturbances, indicative of a condition known as **pheochromocytoma**. Pheochromocytomas are rare, catecholamine-secreting tumors that arise from the **chromaffin cells** of the **adrenal medulla**.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The elevated metanephrines in the patient's 24-hour urinalysis are a key diagnostic clue, as these are metabolites of **epinephrine** and **norepinephrine**. The patient's symptoms and laboratory findings are consistent with a **pheochromocytoma**, which would explain the episodic hypertension and other symptoms. Pheochromocytomas are often associated with **familial syndromes**, such as **Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 2**, which may explain the patient's family history of thyroid cancer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because **thyroid cancer** is not directly associated with episodic hypertension or pheochromocytoma.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because **parathyroid adenoma** is associated with hypercalcemia, not episodic hypertension.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because **pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors** may secrete various hormones, but they are not typically associated with episodic hypertension or pheochromocytoma.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When suspecting a pheochromocytoma, it is essential to measure **24-hour urinary metanephrines** or **free plasma metanephrines**, as these are sensitive and specific markers for the diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:** C.
β Correct Answer: A. Adrenal
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