Stabilization with VA-ECMO and IABP followed by surgical resection of a pheochromocytoma successfully resolved acute heart failure and restored normal ejection fraction in a 40-year-old woman.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Pheochromocytoma is a rare but critical cause of acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock that can be successfully managed with mechanical circulatory support (VA-ECMO, IABP) as a bridge to surgical resection.
BACKGROUND: The primary causes of heart failure include myocardial damage and structural abnormalities. In addition to cardiovascular disease, noncardiovascular disease can also lead to heart failure. Identifying these etiologies is critical for accurate diagnosis and timely, targeted treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with a 10-month history of recurrent chest tightness and shortness of breath, with symptoms significantly worsening 6 hours before admission. She was diagnosed with acute heart failure in the decompensated phase, complicated by cardiogenic shock. Stabilization was achieved via an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Further evaluation revealed pheochromocytoma as the underlying cause of acute heart failure. The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the pheochromocytoma, with no recurrence of heart failure symptoms observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Acute heart failure is a rare but critical condition with rapid onset, often presenting as an emergency. Effective management necessitates life support therapy to stabilize the patient, allowing time for further diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
Wang et al. (Thu,) conducted a case report in Acute heart failure complicated by cardiogenic shock due to pheochromocytoma (n=1). VA-ECMO, IABP, and surgical resection was evaluated on Resolution of heart failure symptoms and recovery of cardiac function. Stabilization with VA-ECMO and IABP followed by surgical resection of a pheochromocytoma successfully resolved acute heart failure and restored normal ejection fraction in a 40-year-old woman.