Which statement about pheochromocytoma is incorrect?

• A. Trigger by foods high in Tyramine such as hamburger meat and spinach.
• B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can trigger signs and symptoms.
• C. An adrenalectomy is the only surgical treatment.
• D. Patients with pheochromocytoma are at risk for hypertensive crisis.

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma causes episodes of catecholamine excess that are driven by the tumor itself and by factors that increase catecholamine activity or the body’s response to it. Tyramine-containing foods become dangerous mainly when a person is taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, because MAOIs prevent breakdown of tyramine-derived catecholamines and can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In someone with pheochromocytoma who is not on an MAOI, ingestion of tyramine-rich foods does not directly trigger a crisis. That’s why the statement about foods high in tyramine triggering pheochromocytoma is incorrect. The other points reflect real considerations: MAOIs can worsen symptoms in pheochromocytoma, surgical treatment (often adrenalectomy) is the main approach to cure, and there is a true risk of hypertensive crisis during episodes or procedures due to excess catecholamines.