Phaeochromocytoma presenting as acute malignant hyperthermia--a diagnostic challenge.
We report a case of acute hypermetabolism following the induction of general anaesthesia in an 11-yr-old boy. This episode was diagnosed and managed as an acute malignant hyperthermia crisis. However, severe hypertension during the episode led to the discovery of an unsuspected phaeochromocytoma. A hypermetabolic state during anaesthesia has several aetiologies, but correct diagnosis during the acute episode may be difficult.
Allen
G C
GC
Department of Anesthesiology, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192.
Rosenberg
H
H
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008305:Malignant Hyperthermia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis*