Bilateral subtotal adrenal resection for bilateral pheochromocytomas in multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIa: a case report.

Our treatment philosophy for the management of the adrenal glands in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIa has been bilateral total adrenalectomy. In the patient described, exceptional and pressing reasons necessitated preservation of adrenocortical function. Bilateral pheochromocytomas were resected with preservation of the adrenal cortices. Adrenocortical function was normal 36 months after resection. Although the patient remained symptom free, elevated basal immunoreactive plasma calcitonin levels suggested the presence of residual or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma. There was no evidence of recurrent pheochromocytoma.