Fig. 23.25 Adrenal phaeochromocytoma: large vascular tumour demonstrated by arteriography. Arteriography has now been largely superseded by CT, MIBG scanning and venous sampling for the detection of phaeochromocytomas. The procedure is hazardous unless medical a- and b-adrenergic blockade has been given and should be undertaken only if really essential. In this patient, angiography was carried out to determine the arterial supply and venous drainage of the known tumour prior to surgery. Arteriography still has a place in idetifying an ectopic phaeochromocytoma when its approximate location has been shown by venous sampling or MIBG scanning, and CT examination is negative.
