Echocardiographic Guidance for Surgical Excision of the Intracardiac Component of a Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, with published incidence of 2 to 8 cases per million patients per year. The extension of these tumors into the vena cava and right atrium is rarely seen. Transesophageal echocardiography may be invaluable to delineate tumor extent and characteristics, which in turn may provide a useful tool to guide intraoperative surgical approach to these uncommon masses. In the case presented in this article, we describe the role of transesophageal echocardiography in guiding a safe and complete, excision of an invasive pheochromocytoma without embolization of tumor components