[Pheochromocytoma discovered in the preoperative period: analysis of 3 cases]

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour that may be discovered incidentally during a surgical operation that can sometimes cause fatal arrhythmias. The authors report 3 cases of phaeochromocytoma presenting in the form of hypertensive crisis and serious arrhythmias following manipulation of the tumour with a fatal outcome in 2 cases. These cases illustrate the severity and complexity of the problems encountered and the importance of preoperative detection of phaeochromocytomas, particularly at the pre-anaesthetic visit.