AMA Criteria for Permanent Impairment Associated with Pheochromocytoma

A pheochromocytoma can result in permanent impairment that can be quantified using the AMA criteria.

Parameters:

(1) effectiveness of therapy

(2) signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hyperfunction:

(1) hypertension

(2) headache

(3) palpitations

(4) diaphoresis

(5) apprehension

(6) weakness

(7) tachycardia

Effectiveness of Therapy	Signs and Symptoms	Impairment of the Whole Person
not required	none	0%
tumor can be resected, or symptoms controlled by blocking agents	minimal without cardiovascular complications	0 - 14%
controlled by blocking agents	moderate	15 – 29%
uncontrolled	severe	30 – 90%

where:

• Severe and uncontrollable symptoms may be encountered in metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma.

• End-organ complications need to be assessed separately and then combined for the total whole person impairment.

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