A case of a Pheochromocytoma crisis

Issari R, Daya R and Bayat Z

Published on: 2022-02-05

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are mostly benign, but rare catecholamine-producing neuro-endocrine tumors of the chromaffin cells found in the adrenal medulla. They present with paroxysmal hypertension, headaches, palpitations and diaphoresis due to excessive catecholamine excretion. A feared and possibly fatal presentation of PCC is a pheochromocytoma crisis (PC). A PC is a rare endocrine emergency. Presentation may vary and range from severe hypertension to circulatory failure and shock with subsequent involvement of multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, and metabolic systems [2]. PC may occur spontaneously or can be precipitated by manipulation of the tumor, trauma, medication (corticosteroids, βeta-blockers, metoclopramide and anesthetic agents), or stress from an unrelated surgery. Herein, we describe a 17-year-old female of African ancestry, known with a PCC, who presented with a PC precipitated by a lobar pneumonia as well as pulmonary tuberculosis. The case was treated successfully with emergency surgery.