Interleukin-6 producing pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma: case series from a tertiary referral centre for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

Meijs, A.C.; Schroijen, M.A.; Snel, M.; Corssmit, E.P.M. (2021)

Article / Letter to editor

Introduction In addition to catecholamines, pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) may secrete interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 contributes to the development of unusual symptoms, which may hinder the diagnosis. Patients and methods We report the clinical course and subsequent treatment of IL-6 producing PPGL in three patients from a single tertiary referral centre for PPGL patients in the Netherlands. Conclusion PPGL combined with persistent elevated inflammatory markers, either in the presence or absence of pyrexia, raised suspicion of IL-6 overproduction in these three patients. Although surgical resection of the tumour is the only curative treatment option, our case series adds to the accumulating evidence that alpha-blockers might be effective in these patients.

• Pheochromocytoma
• Paraganglioma
• Interleukin-6
• Catecholamines

• All authors: Meijs, A.C.; Schroijen, M.A.; Snel, M.; Corssmit, E.P.M.
• Date: 2021-03-14
• Journal: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 2253 - 2259
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s40618-021-01532-5
• Link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40618-021-01532-5.pdf