Diagnosis and treatment of bilateral adrenal tumors

Objective To improve diagnosis and treatment of bilateral adrenal tumors. [WT5”HZ]Methods[WT5”BZ] Clinical data on 17 patients with pheochromocytoma and 2 patients with primary aldosteronism were reviewed to analyze the clinical features, qualitative and quantitative examinations as well as operative approaches. [WT5”HZ]Results[WT5”BZ] Bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma was similar to unilateral or extra adrenal pheochromocytoma in clinical features, biochemical and endocrine tests as well as preoperative preparations. It was important to find the possible extra adrenal pheochromocytoma preoperatively. Transabdominal approach was helpful to early resection of bilateral adrenal tumors. [WT5”HZ]Conclusions[WT5”BZ] More attention should be paid to the qualitative analysis and localization of bilateral adrenal tumors. I 131 MIBG and NP 59 are beneficial for differential diagnosis between adrenal cortical tumors and medulla tumors. An anterior approach through bilateral subcostal incisions can provide excellent exposure of bilateral adrenal tumors. Patients with small and non functioning adrenal tumors should be followed up.