Clinical manifestations of familial paraganglioma and phaeochromocytomas in succinate dehydrogenase B (SDH-B) gene mutation carriers.

OBJECTIVE

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are familial in up to 25% of cases and can result from succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene mutations. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations of subjects with SDH-B gene mutations.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-series.

PATIENTS

Thirty-two subjects with SDH-B gene mutations followed up between 1975 and 2007. Mean follow-up of 5.8 years (SD 7.4, range 0-31). Patients seen at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London and other UK centres.

MEASUREMENTS

Features of clinical presentation, genetic mutations, tumour location, catecholamine secretion, clinical course and management.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 32 subjects (50%) were affected by disease. Two previously undescribed mutations in the SDH-B gene were noted. A family history of disease was apparent in only 18% of index subjects. Mean age at diagnosis was 34 years (SD 15.4, range 10-62). 50% of affected subjects had disease by the age of 26 years. 69% (11 of 16) were hypertensive and 80% (12 of 15) had elevated secretions of catecholamines/metabolites. 24% (6 of 25) of tumours were located in the adrenal and 76% (19 of 25) were extra-adrenal. 19% (3 of 16) had multifocal disease. Metastatic paragangliomas developed in 31% (5 of 16). One subject developed a metastatic type II papillary renal cell carcinoma. The cohort malignancy rate was 19% (6 of 32). Macrovascular disease was noted in two subjects without hypertension.

CONCLUSION

SDH-B mutation carriers develop disease early and predominantly in extra-adrenal locations. Disease penetrance is incomplete. Metastatic disease is prominent but levels are less than previously reported. Clinical manifestations may include papillary renal cell carcinoma and macrovascular disease.