Which statement about pheochromocytoma is incorrect?

Which statement about pheochromocytoma is incorrect?

• A. Trigger by foods high in Tyramine such as hamburger meat and spinach.
• B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can trigger signs and symptoms.
• C. An adrenalectomy is the only surgical treatment.
• D. Patients with pheochromocytoma are at risk for hypertensive crisis.

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma causes episodes of catecholamine excess that are driven by the tumor itself and by factors that increase catecholamine activity or the body’s response to it. Tyramine-containing foods become dangerous mainly when a person is taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, because MAOIs prevent breakdown of tyramine-derived catecholamines and can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In someone with pheochromocytoma who is not on an MAOI, ingestion of tyramine-rich foods does not directly trigger a crisis. That’s why the statement about foods high in tyramine triggering pheochromocytoma is incorrect. The other points reflect real considerations: MAOIs can worsen symptoms in pheochromocytoma, surgical treatment (often adrenalectomy) is the main approach to cure, and there is a true risk of hypertensive crisis during episodes or procedures due to excess catecholamines.

Pheochromocytoma causes episodes of catecholamine excess that are driven by the tumor itself and by factors that increase catecholamine activity or the body’s response to it. Tyramine-containing foods become dangerous mainly when a person is taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, because MAOIs prevent breakdown of tyramine-derived catecholamines and can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In someone with pheochromocytoma who is not on an MAOI, ingestion of tyramine-rich foods does not directly trigger a crisis. That’s why the statement about foods high in tyramine triggering pheochromocytoma is incorrect. The other points reflect real considerations: MAOIs can worsen symptoms in pheochromocytoma, surgical treatment (often adrenalectomy) is the main approach to cure, and there is a true risk of hypertensive crisis during episodes or procedures due to excess catecholamines.