Endocrinology

Answer 4 α-Blockers. The key to successful surgical resection of a pheochromocytoma is adequate preparation of the patient. Ideally, at least 2 to 3 weeks of antihypertensive treatment should be given before surgery. Patients first should be given an α-blocker for at least 10 days before the surgery to control high blood pressure. After the α-blocker is started, a ß-blocker can be added for the control of the heart rate and any arrhythmia. Methimazole is given to patients with hyperthyroidism, and steroids are given to patients with Addison’s disease.2 REFERENCE 2. Pacak K, Linehan WM, Eisenhofer G, et al. Recent advances in genetics, diagnosis, localization, and treatment of pheochromocytoma. Ann Intern Med 2001;134:315-29. Click here to return to the questions

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