Chromaffin Body of the Aorta

Chromaffinomedullary chromaffinoblastoma (CTL) is a tumor arising from chromaffinocytes, which are normally found in the chromaffin body located in the wall of the abdominal aorta and its branches. CTL is a rare tumor that can develop in people of any age, but is more common in children and adolescents.

CTL may be discovered incidentally when being tested for other diseases. It may also develop in a family history or be associated with other tumors.

If CTL is detected, a thorough examination must be performed, including abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as a tumor biopsy. Treatment of CTL depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of metastases. In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required.

In general, CTL is a rare disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment.

The chromaffin-like body is a group of smooth muscle cells of the arterial and venous beds containing chromogranin A and sodium-potassium ATPases (slow-calcium pump) in the cytoplasm. These cells play an important role in regulating magnesium homeostasis. The distribution of chromaffin-like bodies in the arterial and venous beds differs in the number of cells and their functional composition. A comparative analysis of a large number of patients showed that the distribution pattern of chromaffin-like cells determines a person’s susceptibility to bronchial asthma.