Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pheochromocytoma crisis: a literature review of 200 cases

Surgical anesthesia in a patient with a pheochromocytoma crisis supported by ECMO: a case report

Pheochromocytoma is rare in clinical practice, with patients typically presenting with headache, high blood pressure and sweating. Patients who develop a pheochromocytoma crisis are particularly rare. This report describes the case of a patient in a pheochromocytoma crisis who presented with severe cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory failure, and acute coronary syndrome. The patient underwent surgery under general anesthesia with ECMO support and was discharged in good health.

Unexpected pheochromocytoma leading to cardiac arrest during the perioperative period: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are rare neuroendocrine catecholamine (CA)-secreting tumours that originate from chromaffin tissue and can produce and store CAs. Unexpected PCCs pose a serious threat to the perioperative safety of patients and a considerable challenge to anaesthesiologists because of the risks of fatal hypertensive crises and other stresses.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 37-year-old woman who was scheduled for tonsillectomy and palatopharyngoplasty under general anaesthesia experienced a malignant cardiovascular event after induction, which was characterized mainly by a sharp increase in heart rate and blood pressure, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest and the occurrence of secondary long QT syndrome. Based on the perioperative clinical manifestations, measurements of plasma and urinary CAs, postoperative bilateral adrenal computed tomography results and surgical pathological results, the patient was diagnosed with an undiagnosed PCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaesthesiologists should pay attention to patients with recurrent chest tightness, as these patients may have an undiagnosed PCC. Extreme hypertension and tachycardia during the perioperative period may indicate a PCC. We should not automatically use beta-adrenergic receptor blockade while overlooking the importance of alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade. If a serious malignant cardiovascular event occurs in patients with an undiagnosed PCC during the perioperative period, multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment is crucial.

L, Heredia-Espín M, Arias-Intriago M, Izquierdo-Condoy JS. Pheochromocytoma: an updated scoping review from clinical presentation to management and treatment

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from chromaffin cells, with 80-85% originating in the adrenal medulla and 15-20% from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissues (paragangliomas). Approximately 30-40% of PPGLs have a hereditary component, making them one of the most genetically predisposed tumor types. Recent advances in genetic research have classified PPGLs into three molecular clusters: pseudohypoxia-related, kinase-signaling, and WNT-signaling pathway variants. Specifically, the detection of SDHB-related tumors indicates an increased risk of metastatic disease, which may impact decisions regarding functional imaging in patients with high suspicion of metastasis and influence targeted treatment strategies. Diagnosis of PPGLs primarily relies on biochemical testing, measuring catecholamines or their metabolites in plasma or urine. However, molecular testing, functional imaging, and targeted therapies have greatly enhanced diagnostic precision and management. Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiling are becoming integral to the clinical management of these tumors. In South American countries like Colombia, functional imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with tracers like 18F-DOPA, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), and 68Ga-DOTA-conjugated somatostatin receptor-targeting peptides (68Ga-DOTA-SST) are used to guide follow-up and treatment strategies. Radionuclide therapy with lutetium-177 DOTATATE is employed for patients showing uptake in 68Ga-DOTA-SST PET/CT scans, while access to 131-MIBG therapy remains limited due to high costs and availability. Recent clinical trials have shown promise for systemic therapies such as sunitinib and cabozantinib, offering potential new options for patients with slow or moderate progression of PPGLs. These advancements underscore the potential of personalized and targeted therapies to improve outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Atomoxetine-Induced Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Crisis Managed With Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGLs) crises can be triggered by various factors, including norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which worsen symptoms in patients with PPGLs. Therefore, attention should be paid to the potential for serious adverse reactions in patients with PPGLs taking ADHD medications. A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute onset of severe respiratory and circulatory failure after initiating atomoxetine treatment. During preparation for hospital admission, his respiratory and circulatory status deteriorated, requiring emergency intubation and mechanical ventilation and transfer to our institution for further evaluation and treatment. Profuse sweating and sinus tachycardia were observed, and echocardiography revealed a significantly reduced ejection fraction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the trunk revealed a 50 mm tumour anterior to the inferior vena cava and a 20 mm enhancing tumour in the left adrenal gland. Treatment with the α-blocker, phentolamine, was initiated on the grounds of cardiogenic shock induced by an endocrine disorder such as PPGLs. However, the patient developed bradycardia and hypotension, progressing to pulseless electrical activity (PEA), for which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. After the administration of adrenaline (1 mg), a return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was initiated to prevent further cardiac arrest. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted to reduce the cardiac workload. Circulatory dynamics gradually stabilised, and treatment with VA-ECMO was discontinued on day 4 after admission as the ejection fraction improved to approximately 50%. On day 6, the patient was successfully extubated, respiratory support was discontinued, and he was discharged on day 25, confirming the diagnosis of PPGLs with no evidence of higher brain dysfunction. Outpatient management included dose adjustment of the α1-blocker, and he was readmitted for surgical removal of the tumour. The postoperative course was uneventful, with a notable improvement in ADHD symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and management of patients with symptoms suggesting psychiatric or endocrine disorders.

The role of the adrenalectomy in the management of pheochromocytoma: the experience of a Portuguese referral center

PURPOSE

Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Despite the low incidence, these tumors are of indisputable importance. This study aimed to analyze the management of pheochromocytoma in a referral center, with an emphasis on the minimally invasive adrenalectomy, which is the preferred therapeutic approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma who underwent adrenalectomy between January 2013 and December 2022. Clinical data including demographics, timelines, symptomatology, comorbidities, biochemical markers, genetic testing, surgical details, and follow-up outcomes, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 44 patients, predominantly women (52.27%), with a median age of 53.39 years (range 13-83). Most of patients exhibited paroxysmal symptoms suggesting catecholamine excess. Documented hypertension was the most frequent (86.36%), along with glucose anomalies (40.01%) and anxiety disorder (31.82%). Genetic testing was performed in 36 (81.81%) patients and 14 (38.88%) revealed a positive result, predominantly RET pathogenic variant. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 34 (79.07%) patients, showing significantly shorter operative time (2.5 h vs. 4.25 h, t-test p < 0,001) and fewer complications (23.53% vs 77.78%, p = 0.008). Postoperative complications occurred in 36.36% of the patients, mostly mild (grade I, 56.25%), with no mortality. SDHB pathogenic variant correlated with both recurrent and metastatic disease (p = 0.006). One-year follow-up reported 9.09% recurrence and 6.82% metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenalectomy demonstrated a high safety and effectiveness. This study exhibited a higher rate of genetic testing referral than other studies. Despite past advances, there is still a need for further studies to establish protocols and evaluate new techniques.

Cardiogenic shock in phaeochromocytoma multisystem crisis: a case report

Background

Phaeochromocytoma multisystem crisis (PMC) is characterized by labile blood pressures (extremes of hypo- and/or hypertension) and multiorgan failure as a result of catecholamine excess. Initial stabilization requires pharmacological and/or mechanical circulatory support, followed by the institution of antihypertensives to correct the underlying pathophysiology.

Case summary

A previously well 40-year-old male developed a sudden onset of breathlessness. On presentation, he was in shock with multiorgan failure. He required intubation, mechanical ventilation, dual inotropic support, and renal replacement therapy. Bedside echocardiogram showed a severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25%. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries. In view of raised inflammatory markers and transaminitis, a computed tomography abdomen/pelvis was performed. An incidental left adrenal mass was found. Further work-ups revealed raised plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine, 24-h urine epinephrine, and norepinephrine. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed myocardial inflammation and reverse Takotsubo pattern of regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA). The diagnosis of cardiogenic shock and stress cardiomyopathy secondary to PMC was made. He was subsequently initiated on α- and β-blockers and goal-directed medical therapy for heart failure. A 68Ga-DOTATATE scan showed avid tracer uptake of the left phaeochromocytoma. An interval CMR 3 weeks from presentation showed near normalization of the LVEF and RWMA. He underwent a successful laparoscopic left adrenalectomy and was antihypertensive-free since.

Discussion

The clinical suspicion for PMC as the cause of cardiogenic shock requires astute clinical judgement, while the management requires an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology that calls for multidisciplinary inputs.

Metastatic disease and major adverse cardiovascular events preceding diagnosis are the main determinants of disease-specific survival of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma: long-term follow-up of 303 patients

Purpose

The natural history in unselected cohorts of patients with pheochromocytoma/ paraganglioma (PPGL) followed for a period >10 years remains limited. We aimed to describe baseline characteristics and outcome of a large cohort and to identify predictors of shorter survival.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study included 303 patients with newly diagnosed PPGL from 1968 to December 31, 2023, in 199 prospectively supplemented since July 2020. Mean follow-up was 11.4 (range 0.3-50) years, germline genetic analyses were available in 92.1%. The main outcome measures were overall (OAS), disease-specific (DSS), recurrence-free (RFS) survival and predictors of shorter survival evaluated in patients with metastases at first diagnosis (n=12), metastatic (n=24) and nonmetastatic (n=33) recurrences and without evidence of PPGL after first surgery (n=234).

Results

Age at study begin was 49.4 ± 16.3 years. There were 72 (23.8%) deaths, 15 (5.0%), 29 (9.6%) and 28 (9.2%) due to PPGL, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and malignant or other diseases, respectively. Median OAS, DSS1 (tumor-related) and DSS2 (DSS1 and death caused by CVD) were 4.8, 5.9 and 5.2 years (patients with metastases at first diagnosis), 21.2, 21.2 and 19.9 years, and 38.0, undefined and 38.0 years (patients with metastatic and with nonmetastatic recurrences, respectively). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) preceded the first diagnosis in 15% (n=44). Shorter DSS2 correlated with older age (P ≤ 0.001), male sex (P ≤ 0.02), MACE (P ≤ 0.01) and primary metastases (P<0.0001, also for DSS1).

Conclusion

The clinical course of unselected patients with PPGL is rather benign. Survival rates remain high for decades, unless there are MACE before diagnosis or metastatic disease.

A case report on pheochromocytoma mimicking as fulminant myocarditis-a diagnostic challenge

We present an exceptional case of a 53-year-old female, initially misdiagnosed with fulminant myocarditis, but later correctly diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. The presentation of the patient included a spectrum of symptoms such as headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and dyspnea, following the intake of Domperidone. Two weeks prior to admission, the patient had experienced episodes of diarrhea and a low-grade fever. Unresolved symptoms and an unmanageable surge in blood pressure despite comprehensive fulminant myocarditis treatment prompted further investigation. The discovery of an adrenal mass via a CT scan and subsequent biochemical tests led to the confirmation of pheochromocytoma. Implementation of alpha-blockade therapy and a successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case underscores the diagnostic intricacies of pheochromocytoma and highlights the need for vigilance when faced with severe, unresponsive cardiovascular symptoms.

An Undetected Pheochromocytoma Leading to Fulminant Adrenergic Myocarditis Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors. Their episodic nature is correlated with abrupt catecholamine release and clinical manifestations that mimic other vascular conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening complications, such as acute myocarditis and pheochromocytoma crises. In this report, we described the case of fulminant adrenergic myocarditis-induced cardiogenic shock requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a Vietnamese middle-aged man with a 5-year history of Brugada syndrome, hypertension, and previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. After stabilization, the patient was medically treated with a combination of α- and β-blockers before undergoing laparoscopic right adrenalectomy.

An atypical manifestation of pheochromocytoma crisis: Acute delirium

Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor presenting with a classical triad of symptoms. In 10% of the cases, the presentation can be atypical, and the diagnosis is often missed for several years. Most common neurological manifestations are haemorrhage, seizures, etc., but pheochromocytoma crisis presenting as delirium has been infrequently reported. We present a case of a middle-aged female who presented with hypertensive emergency and an acute confusional state. Other causes of delirium were ruled out in the patient and a timely diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made with CT abdomen showed a large right suprarenal mass which was confirmed on 123I-MIBG scan and supported by elevated plasma metanephrines. She responded to alpha and beta blockers following which her blood pressure spikes were controlled, and subsequently, her sensorium improved significantly. Patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor and was followed up after 2 weeks with her blood pressure controlled without any medications.

Conclusion

A high degree of clinical suspicion is essential in such rare presentations of pheochromocytoma. Early diagnosis, adequate preoperative preoperative stabilization followed by a definitive surgical excision offers a complete cure to such patients.

A life-threatening case of pheochromocytoma crisis with hemodynamic instability

Background

Pheochromocytoma crisis (PCC) is a fatal disease characterized by hyper and/or hypotension, hyperthermia, and encephalopathy, and its diagnosis and treatment are challenging.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman presented with hypertension, and computed tomography showed an adrenal tumor. Fever, shock, and impaired consciousness were observed, and PCC was diagnosed clinically. Systolic blood pressure fluctuated from 40-220 mmHg within a few minutes, and circulatory agonists were adjusted accordingly. The blood pressure changes gradually stabilized with α-blockade. Surgery was performed on hospital day 26, and the pathological diagnosis was consistent with a pheochromocytoma. She was discharged on hospital day 37.

Conclusion

Computed tomography may facilitate early diagnosis in the acute phase of PCC in case of limited patient medical information and insufficient time to wait for a definitive diagnosis using traditional hormone tests. The shock requires pharmacological therapy to maintain circulation, and paradoxically, the administration of α-blockade can be lifesaving.

Childhood pheochromocytoma crisis complicated with brain stem infarction: A case report

RATIONALE

Pheochromocytoma crises are very rarely seen in children. In this report, we present a case of the death related to occult pheochromocytoma crisis combined cerebral infarction.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 5-year-old boy has a 1-month history of polydipsia, polyuria, sweating, and weight loss of 2.5 kg. He was admitted to our hospital because of 1 week of anorexia, 2 days of vomiting, and 12 hours of convulsions and confusion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spinal cord showed abnormal signals in the left parie-occipital lobe, medulla oblongata till C7 cervical vertebrae.

DIAGNOSES

Based on patient's complaints and clinical appearance, provisional diagnosis of pheochromocytoma crisis complicated brainstem infarction was considered.

INTERVENTIONS

Tracheal intubation, volume expansion, continuous infusion of dobutamine, and sedation reduce intracranial pressure. Chest compression was performed when the child suddenly developed sobbing respiration.

OUTCOMES

The patient was dead. Congenital metabolic defects screening suggested mild ketonuria. Trio whole exon sequencing revealed a synonymous mutation of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome c.414 A > G in the decedent. Autopsy revealed pheochromocytoma, acute myocarditis, liquefaction necrosis of the medulla oblongata cerebral edema, and congestion.

LESSONS

Early clinical symptoms of pheochromocytoma in children are not typical. It may induce serious complications and develop into a pheochromocytoma crisis and cause death without proper treatment.

Pheochromocytoma Multisystem Crisis Complicated by Severe Acute Pancreatitis

A 43-year-old man developed headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, and vomiting. His blood pressure was 203/121 mmHg, heart rate 122 beats/min, body temperature 39.1 °C, and respiratory rate 24/min. He had elevated levels of creatinine at 2.95 mg/dL and lipase at 1,364 U/L as well as an extremely low calcium level at 5.2 mg/dL. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia were seen. Chest and abdominal computed tomography showed interstitial pneumonia, severe pancreatitis, and a right adrenal tumor. The patient also developed vertebral artery dissection and medullary infarction. After right adrenalectomy, the patient was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma multisystem crisis (PMC). Acute pancreatitis might augment numerous life-threatening manifestations of PMC.