Hypertension following minor trauma: a rare presentation of pheochromocytoma.
The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (Pheo) can be challenging due to the variety of potential presentations of this infrequent tumor. A 16-year-old boy presented with hypertension and sudden abdominal pain after minor blunt abdominal trauma. Both computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scanning identified a right suprarenal mass, and raised the possibility of a Pheo. This diagnosis was confirmed through urine catecholamine testing and (131)I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning. An extra-adrenal Pheo was successfully resected. The presentation of Pheos is quite variable, and patients may often be essentially asymptomatic. Pheo should be considered in hypertensive pediatric patients with a history of blunt abdominal trauma.
Dueck
A
A
Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Poenaru
D
D
Kamal
I
I
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications