Pheochromocytoma: an easily overlooked cause of secondary hypertension.
Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of secondary hypertension. Presentation varies from asymptomatic to paroxysmal hypertension, palpitations, flushing, syncope, and even shock or death. Diagnosis is often delayed because pheochromocytoma is not considered a likely diagnosis. We present the case of a 47-year-old male that presented with hypertensive emergency. Several diagnostic tests were performed prior to consideration of pheochromocytoma as the potential cause. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a nonspecific mass. A subsequent hormonal workup led to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent adrenalectomy seventeen days after presentation and postoperatively did well. This case demonstrates a typical presentation of pheochromocytoma and the need to consider pheochromocytoma early in the differential diagnosis of hypertensive emergency or difficult to control hypertension.
Hager
Casey
C
Department of Intemrnal Medicine, WVU, Charleston Division, USA.
Hager
Kelly
K
Grubb
Stephen
S
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology