Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma by Computed Axial Tomographic Scan and Other Methods

To the Editor: In the August 31 issue of the Journal a report by Stewart et al. and an editorial by Egdahl focused on the usefulness of computed axial tomography in the localization of pheochromocytoma. Before introduction of sonography and computed axial tomographic scanning we reported^{1 2 3} that preoperative localization of neural-crest tumors is unnecessary except in cases of uncertain chemical diagnosis and in recurrent pheochromocytoma, in which thorough re-exploration of the abdomen may be difficult because of adhesions. At the February 8, 1978, meeting of the New York Surgical Society we presented evidence of the safety and precision of abdominal.