dromlakhani PPGL Metastasis Risk Assessment Using Histopathological Scores
STEP 1 — Gather Information
Collect histopathological specimen from PPGL resection; assess for features required for PASS (tumor size, necrosis, vascular invasion, etc.) and GAPP (histologic pattern, necrosis, mitotic activity, etc.) scores; document findings for scoring.
STEP 2 — Rule In / Rule Out
If GAPP score is high (≥3), rule in high metastasis risk; otherwise, proceed to evaluate PASS score.
STEP 3 — Classify or Stratify
For cases not ruled in, calculate PASS score; stratify risk as low (PASS 0-2), intermediate (PASS 3-4), or high (PASS ≥5) based on PASS.
STEP 4 — Decide
If high metastasis risk (GAPP ≥3 or PASS ≥5), recommend intensified follow‑up (e.g., imaging and biochemical testing every 6 months); if intermediate or low risk, recommend standard postoperative follow‑up (annual imaging and biochemical testing for ≥10 years).
Clinical Guardrails / Mimics / Pitfalls
Do not rely solely on PASS due to its weak correlation with metastasis and low inter‑observer agreement; do not apply these scores to head‑and‑neck paraganglioma (HNPGL) as validation is lacking; do not use scores in isolation without integrating clinical, genetic, and imaging data; avoid over‑interpreting low scores as definitive absence of metastatic potential.
Concrete Clinical Example
A 45‑year‑old patient with resected abdominal PPGL shows histologic necrosis and vascular invasion; GAPP score is 4 (high) and PASS score is 5 (high). Based on high GAPP, metastasis risk is ruled in, leading to intensified surveillance with 6‑monthly MRI and plasma‑free metanephrines.
Source: Japan Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma 2025, Japan Endocrine Society, 2025, doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ25-0165