Pheochromocytoma, "the Great Masquerader," Presenting as Severe Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in a Young Patient

Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome with a rare complication of dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report

Background

Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease affecting multiple organs, with pheochromocytoma in 26% of cases. However, VHL syndrome with congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy as the primary clinical manifestations has been rarely reported.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea. The patient had a history of cerebellar hemangioblastoma that had been resected, and a one-year history of hypertension. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a dilated left ventricle, decreased systolic function, and nonischemic myocardial changes. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed pheochromocytoma, neoplastic lesions, and multiple cysts in the kidneys and pancreas. Genetic analysis revealed a missense mutation of the VHL gene, c.269 A > T (p.Asn90Ile), which was identified as the cause of the disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy and VHL syndrome type 2 were diagnosed. The patient was administered a diuretic, α-blocker, β-blocker, and an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), but refused pheochromocytoma resection. At the six-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with improved cardiac function.

Conclusion

Cardiac involvement is an atypical manifestation in VHL syndrome. Early diagnosis with genetic screening is essential for avoiding life-threatening complications associated with VHL. The management of this rare manifestation of VHL syndrome requires further investigation.

Endocrine causes of heart failure: A clinical primer for cardiologists

Heart failure (HF) may be a presenting manifestation of a few endocrine disorders and should be considered in evaluation of heart failure causes. This clinically oriented review is an attempt to highlight the protean manifestations of heart failure in endocrine diseases which could present either as acute or chronic heart failure. Acute heart failure manifests as hypertensive crisis, Takotsubo syndrome, or as tachy/brady cardiomyopathies. Chronic heart failure could masquerade with features of hyperdynamic heart failure, or hypertrophic, restrictive or dilated cardiomyopathy. Rarely constrictive features or resistant heart failure could be the presenting feature. Isolated presentation as pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure are also documented. Good history-taking and physical examination with targeted investigations will help in the timely management for reversing the pathophysiology to a significant extent by appropriated management.

Polyserositis: An Extremely Rare Life-Threatening Manifestation of Pheochromocytoma

The pericardium is an uncommon site for manifestation of pheochromocytoma. Herein, the case of a 57-year-old man with cardiac tamponade is presented. Pericardiocentesis was performed, and the vital signs were stabilized afterwards. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan illustrated a nonhomogeneous right adrenal mass suspicious of pheochromocytoma, planned for right adrenalectomy. He recovered well after surgery, and his subsequent follow-ups did not reveal any complications.

Inverted takotsubo syndrome complicated with cardiogenic shock requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma: a case report

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and rarely presents with cardiogenic shock (CS). Inverted TS (ITS) is a rare entity associated with the presence of a pheochromocytoma.

Case summary

We present a case of a young woman was admitted to the emergency department due to intense headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and breathlessness. An ITS secondary to a pheochromocytoma crisis presenting with CS was diagnosed. The patient was managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, until recovery of LV function. On the 35th day of hospitalization, open bilateral adrenalectomy was performed.

Discussion

Takotsubo syndrome patients presenting with CS are challenging and clinicians should be aware of underlying causes. Specific triggers such as pheochromocytoma should systematically be considered particularly if ITS was presented. Extracorporeal life support devices could provide temporary mechanical circulatory support in patients with TS on refractory CS and help to manage complex cases with TS due to pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors originating in the adrenal medulla. They may be sporadic or in the context of a hereditary syndrome. A considerable number of pheochromocytomas carry germline or somatic gene mutations, which are inherited in the autosomal dominant way. All patients should undergo genetic testing. Symptoms are due to catecholamines over production or to a mass effect. Diagnosis is confirmed by raised plasma or urine metanephrines or normetanephrines. Radiology assists in the tumor location and any local invasion or metastasis. All the patients should have preoperative preparation with α-blockers and/or other medications to control hypertension, arrhythmia, and volume expansion. Surgery is the definitive treatment. Follow up should be life-long.