Cortical sparing adrenalectomy in a case of pediatric pheochromocytoma presenting as painless bilateral visual loss

We present an interesting case of an 11-year-old child presenting with rapid onset of bilateral visual loss after an episode of fever. Initially assessed in a retina clinic as having bilateral exudative retinal detachment, the child was evaluated and found to have a hypertensive crisis. Further workup revealed a left adrenal mass, and elevated plasma normetanephrine levels confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The almost complete recovery of visual loss with antihypertensive treatment and surgical management is the underlying message given.