A large pheochromocytoma seen on dynamic bone scintigraphy

The authors present a case of a pheochromocytoma visualized on dynamic bone scintigraphy in a patient with back and abdominal pain and chronic hypertension. Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing tumors of neuroectodermal origin that can cause secondary hypertension. Approximately 90% are unilateral intra-adrenal tumors, and diagnosis is based on elevated 24-hour urinary catecholamine levels and the findings of metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. 1-131 MIBG is concentrated in neuroendocrine tumors, particularly pheochromocytomas, and is sensitive and specific for its visualization. The finding of pheochromocytoma on bone scintigraphy is unusual.