Non-secreting pheochromocytoma in the broad ligament of the uterus revealed by appendicular peritonitis

BACKGROUND: Non-secreting pheochromocytoma is an endocrine tumor located in the adrenal medulla in 85% of the cases. Extra-adrenal localizations accou nt for the other 15%. A broad ligament localization related to an accessory adrenal gland is exceptional. CASE REPORT: A tumoral formation was observed during computed tomographic e xploration of appendicular peritonitis in a 25-year-old patient. The tumor had developed from an ectopic adrenal gland included in the large ligament of the uterus. Pathology reported non-secreting pheochromocytoma confirmed by immunolabeling. DISCUSSION: The broad ligament localization is exceptional for pheochromocy tomas and may mislead diagnosis. Resection is the only treatment. Recurrenc e and metastases have been reported to develop in some cases many years lat er, particularly after incomplete resection. Pathogenically, this tumor is remnant embryonic chromaffin tissue issuing from the parasympathetic nodes and developing in an ectopic adrenal gland.