Pheochromocytoma: Cyclic attacks of hypertension alternating with hypotension

Sergio L. Kobal, Esther Paran, Aamer Jamali, Solly Mizrahi, Robert J. Siegel, Jonathan Leor*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: A 52-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with recurrent episodes of chest and abdominal pain, dyspnea, palpitations and diaphoresis. Continuous blood pressure recordings revealed rhythmic alternation between episodes of severe hypertension and episodes of hypotension. This cyclic hemodynamic crisis continued for 2 hours, with each cycle lasting around 15 min. Investigations: Physical examination, electrocardiography, chest radiography, continuous intra-arterial pressure monitoring, blood and urine analysis, echocardiography, abdominal CT and 131I miodobenzylguanidine scanning. Diagnosis: Pheochromocytoma - a catecholamine secreting tumor. Management: Intravenous phentolamine and fluids, oral doxazosin and surgical removal of the tumor.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-57
Number of pages5
JournalNature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2008

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