Exaggerated cardiovascular response to anaesthesia--a case for investigation.
We present a case of a 40-year-old woman who developed major cardiovascular complications during anaesthesia for an elective clipping of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Postoperative investigation confirmed the diagnosis of an adrenal phaeochromocytoma. In retrospect, it became apparent that she had experienced a series of potentially life-threatening events over a 20-year period all of which are known complications of phaeochromocytoma. This case highlights the importance of investigating young patients who have unexpected and unexplained cardiovascular events during anaesthesia and surgery.
Jones
S E
SE
Specialist Registrar in Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Redfern
N
N
Shaw
I H
IH
Baylis
P H
PH
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications*