Fatal pheochromocytoma crisis precipitated by dobutamine stress echocardiography.
The safety of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has been demonstrated in multiple studies with a major complication rate of <1%. Specifically, ventricular tachycardia during DSE has a reported incidence of 0.3%, and has been bound to be of no prognostic significance in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease. We report a unique case of fatal pheochromocytoma crisis precipitated by DSE in a patient with heretofore unknown adrenal disease. We are once again reminded that no diagnostic modality is absolutely without risk; however, minimal they might be.
Sethi
Prabhdeep S
PS
Department of Cardiology, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
Hiser
William
W
Gaffar
Hasan
H
Jiang
Leng
L
Islam
Ashequl
A
Bhatnagar
Nitin
N
Slawsky
Mara
M
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D025401:Echocardiography, Stress / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D012769:Shock / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013566:Sympathomimetics; D004280:Dobutamine