Gel foam embolization of a functioning pheochromocytoma.

For the first time, to our knowledge, a patient with a functioning pheochromocytoma was subjected to gel foam embolization for physiologic destruction of the tumor. The operation, 24 hours later, provided an uneventful anatomic removal of the infarcted tumor. Observation was considered as a possible alternative to surgical excision. Experience gained may allow testing of the validity of a nonoperative approach in selected cases.