When is a phaeo not a phaeo? Depression in an adolescent leading to a phaeochromocytoma-like biochemical profile

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2011 Oct;75(4):567-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04063.x.

Abstract

A pheochromocytoma was suspected in a 14 year old boy. Elevated urinary and plasma catecholamines as well as clonidine test were consistent with the diagnosis. However, imaging studies were negative, and biochemical abnormalities normalized with treatment of concomitant depression. It is important to consider an array of confounders, including psychiatric conditions, when testing for pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / blood*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / urine*
  • Catecholamines / blood
  • Catecholamines / urine
  • Clonidine / blood
  • Clonidine / urine
  • Depression / blood*
  • Depression / urine*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pheochromocytoma / blood*
  • Pheochromocytoma / urine*

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Clonidine