The value of aortography in the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma

The authors describe four phaeochromocytomas which were not opacified during the course of technically satisfactory aortograms but which appeared highly vascular histologically. The role of aortography is discussed and it is concluded that despite the above findings, it is the radiological examination of first choice. It may have to be supplemented by presacral pneumography or venous sampling. Possible causes for failure of tumour opacification during aortography are discussed.