WDHA syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma: report of a case.
A case in which a pheochromocytoma secreted vasoactive intestinal peptide, causing WDHA syndrome, is reported. The patient, a 43-year-old woman, was seen because of intractable watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and weight loss. She was found to have a mass in the right adrenal area. Preoperatively, vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were elevated, and the diagnosis of WDHA syndrome was entertained. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a tumor of the right adrenal gland, measuring 15 x 15 cm, which was resected. Histologic examination revealed it to be a pheochromocytoma. Postoperatively, vasoactive intestinal peptide returned to normal. The patient had complete remission of symptoms, and has remained well since.
D000126:Achlorhydria / Q000209:etiology*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013577:Syndrome; D014463:Ultrasonography