Colonic Pseudo-obstruction as a Rare Complication of Pheochromocytoma

Kin Wai So; Hoi Ling Tsui; Kim Hung Tsang

doi:10.12890/2021_002421

Colonic Pseudo-obstruction as a Rare Complication of Pheochromocytoma

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2021 Mar 26;8(3):002421. doi: 10.12890/2021_002421. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Kin Wai So¹, Hoi Ling Tsui¹, Kim Hung Tsang¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology and Organ Imaging, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong.

Abstract

Colonic pseudo-obstruction is characterized by dilatation of the colon without a structural lesion causing the obstruction. It usually involves the caecum and right side of the colon and is commonly observed in patients with severe illness or after surgery; it is rarely caused by pheochromocytoma. The diagnosis of colonic pseudo-obstruction can be established by abdominal imaging including computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen or use of a water-soluble contrast enema. In additional to conservative or surgical treatment, alpha-blockers can be used in this setting to relieve the pseudo-obstruction.

Learning points: Colonic pseudo-obstruction is a rare manifestation of pheochromocytoma.A typical radiological feature of colonic pseudo-obstruction is the presence of a gradual transition at the splenic flexure of the colon.Alpha-blockers can be used in this setting to relieve pseudo-obstruction.

Keywords: Pseudo-obstruction; phenoxybenzamine; pheochromocytoma.