Severe constipation as the presenting complaint of phaeochromocytoma.
Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour which may present with gastrointestinal features. We report two patients who presented with severe constipation and were found to have a malignant phaeochromocytoma. Both patients deteriorated following barium contrast radiology. In the first patient, constipation improved following pharmacological manipulation with alpha and beta adrenoreceptor antagonists. The diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma must be considered in a constipated patient with the features of catecholamine excess.
Williams
A J
AJ
Department of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
Palmer
K R
KR
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001262:Atenolol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010643:Phenoxybenzamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D010643:Phenoxybenzamine; D001262:Atenolol