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Near-fatal pheochromocytoma crisis after beta-blocker and tumour haemorrhage
  1. Divya Madhavarapu1,2,
  2. Anthony Asta1,2,
  3. Gizem Reyhanoglu1,2 and
  4. Antoni Kafrouni Gerges2,3
  1. 1Internal Medicine Residency Program, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
  2. 2Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
  3. 3Endocrinology, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Gizem Reyhanoglu; gizem.reyhanoglu{at}med.fsu.edu

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors characterised by the secretion of catecholamines and their metabolites. While some patients may be asymptomatic, they can also present with various symptoms including hypertensive crisis, headaches, palpitations, diaphoresis or other signs of catecholamine toxicity. Adrenal haemorrhage, though rare, is a potentially fatal complication that is often diagnosed during autopsy. In all patients with suspected pheochromocytoma, regardless of whether haemorrhagic conversion has occurred, prompt diagnosis is imperative. Early identification allows for the timely initiation of treatment, preventing potentially life-threatening complications. This case report details the haemorrhagic conversion of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma in a female patient in her 30s.

  • Adrenal disorders
  • Adult intensive care
  • Thyrotoxicosis

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Footnotes

  • X @endocrinology

  • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms, and critical revision for important intellectual content: DM, AA, GR and AKG. The following author gave final approval of the manuscript: AKG.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.