Pheochromocytoma crisis, cardiomyopathy, and hemodynamic collapse

Chest. 2000 Oct;118(4):1221-3. doi: 10.1378/chest.118.4.1221.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a notorious clinical entity. Although suspicion is aroused by severe hypertension in young patients, this sign is often absent. We present a case in which early absence of hypertension and nonspecific signs and symptoms led to failure of prompt diagnosis. The delay proved fatal when the patient developed fulminant pheochromocytoma crisis. This case illustrates a variety of clinical features seen from the vantage of the evolution of the disease as it went unrecognized. The patient's course underscores the importance of familiarity with the gamut of manifestations for timely diagnosis, and the priority of the latter given the looming risk of overwhelming complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications*
  • Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Male
  • Myocarditis / complications*
  • Myocarditis / diagnosis
  • Myocarditis / etiology
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Shock / diagnosis
  • Shock / etiology*