Abnormal cardiac sympathetic nerve function in a patient with pheochromocytoma. An analysis using 123I metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy

Int J Cardiol. 1995 Jun 30;50(2):189-92. doi: 10.1016/0167-5273(95)02353-x.

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman with pheochromocytoma had a high level of plasma norepinephrine (NE) (6039 pg/ml) and 123I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigram showed decreased myocardial retention. After surgical resection, plasma norepinephrine was normalized and the myocardial retention of 123I MIBG gradually improved. These findings suggest that the possibility that the excess of circulating norepinephrine caused by pheochromocytoma could damage the cardiac sympathetic nerve function and 123I MIBG scintigraphy is a useful method of evaluating abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adult
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Heart / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart / innervation*
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Iodobenzenes
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology
  • Norepinephrine / blood
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pheochromocytoma / physiopathology
  • Pheochromocytoma / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Iodobenzenes
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Norepinephrine