Pheochromocytoma in childhood: the important role of computed tomography in tumour localization.

The radiographic features of five children with nine pheochromocytomas are reviewed. Seven of eight lesions studied by CT were accurately localized. One 1.5 cm diameter extra-adrenal lesion, studied with a 2-min scanner, was not detected. Angiography failed to detect two of seven lesions. Fast scan and high resolution CT of the entire abdomen and pelvis is recommended as the initial modality of choice in children suspected of having pheochromocytoma. Chest CT need only be performed if a lesion is suspected on a chest radiograph or if the abdominal and pelvic CT reveal no lesion.