title: [Headache, hypertension].
abstract: Headache and hypertension were the main clinical symptoms in this slim 77-year-old lady. Because the hypertension presented as paroxysmal and was combined with palpitations, dizziness, and sweating the suspicion of a phaeochromocytoma arouse. The vanillyl mandelic acid in the urine was elevated. As further investigation revealed that this elevation was due to medication with L-dopa because of Parkinson-syndrome. A proper history of the patients' medication or alternative laboratory tests prevent false conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik, Stadtspital Triemli, Zürich.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kayser
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richter
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000652:urine; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000652:urine; D014642:Vanilmandelic Acid / Q000652:urine*
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa; D014642:Vanilmandelic Acid
vernacular_title: Kopfschmerzen, Hypertonie.