Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma (PGL/PCC) syndromes are characterized by paragangliomas (tumors that arise from neuroendocrine tissues distributed along the paravertebral axis from the base of the skull to the pelvis) and pheochromocytomas (paragangliomas that are confined to the adrenal medulla). Sympathetic paragangliomas cause catecholamine excess; parasympathetic paragangliomas are most often nonsecretory. Extra-adrenal parasympathetic paragangliomas are located predominantly in the skull base and neck (referred to as head and neck PGL [HNPGL]) and sometimes in the upper mediastinum; approximately 95% of such tumors are nonsecretory. In contrast, sympathetic extra-adrenal paragangliomas are generally confined to the lower mediastinum, abdomen, and pelvis, and are typically secretory. Pheochromocytomas, which arise from the adrenal medulla, typically lead to catecholamine excess. Symptoms of PGL/PCC result from either mass effects or catecholamine hypersecretion (e.g., sustained or paroxysmal elevations in blood pressure, headache, episodic profuse sweating, forceful palpitations, pallor, and apprehension or anxiety). The risk for developing metastatic disease is greater for extra-adrenal sympathetic paragangliomas than for pheochromocytomas.

Increased levels of protein in the urine.

An increased concentration of noradrenaline in the urine.

The presence of an abnormality of cardiac function that is responsible for the failure of the heart to pump blood at a rate that is commensurate with the needs of the tissues or a state in which abnormally elevated filling pressures are required for the heart to do so. Heart failure is frequently related to a defect in myocardial contraction.

A rapid heartrate that exceeds the range of the normal resting heartrate for age.

Hemorrhage into the parenchyma of the brain.

A positive response to the regitine blocking test consisting of a substantial reduction in blood pressure following administration of regitine, indicative of the presence of increased levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the circulation, which is seen in pheochromocytoma-associated hypertension.

An abnormally increased calcium concentration in the blood.

Abnormal excessive perspiration (sweating) despite the lack of appropriate stimuli like hot and humid weather.

Cafe-au-lait spots are hyperpigmented lesions that can vary in color from light brown to dark brown with smooth borders and having a size of 1.5 cm or more in adults and 0.5 cm or more in children.

The presence in the axillary region (armpit) of an increased number of freckles, small circular spots on the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin because of deposits of melanin.

Retinopathy due to hypertension.