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Abstract Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, which secretes catecholamines. While associated with genetic disorders e.g., MEN-2, they tend to occur sporadically, and are often initially asymptomatic, found incidentally on imaging. Classical symptoms of Phaeochromocytoma include headaches, sweating, and palpitations, with sustained or paroxysmal hypertension which is refractory to a cocktail of antihypertensives. A variety of presentations have been reported in the literature including, but not limited to colitis, intracerebral haemorrhage, and PRES syndrome. We present a case of a 64-year-old man with an incidental left adrenal nodule. This radiologically indeterminate lesion was initially asymptomatic. Secretion studies revealed elevated metadrenaline levels, and an MIBG scan with positive avidity unveiled the lesion's pheochromocytoma nature. Whilst awaiting surgical intervention, the patient required emergency admission with a hypertensive crisis, presenting with left-sided flank pain and a blood pressure peaking at 220mmHg systolic. ECG findings were consistent with a myocardial infarction-like picture, and echocardiogram demonstrated regional wall motion abnormalities. CT coronary angiography revealed no significant coronary arterial disease – confirming that the patient’s presentation was in fact secondary to the pheochromocytoma. Pre-operative optimization is crucial for safe surgery. After the crisis, surgery was delayed by 6 weeks for cardiac rehabilitation. The patient was admitted a week before the procedure for optimal haemodynamics. Adrenalectomy proceeded as planned after alpha-blockade. A structured endocrine surgery clinic follow-up was established to assess the patient's ongoing recovery, and cardiovascular status. This case highlights cardiovascular implications of phaeochromocytoma, stressing a multidisciplinary approach for hypertensive crises and optimising outcomes.
Fetuga et al. (Mon,) studied this question.