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Phaeochromocytoma and acute myocardial infarction

B M Biccard1, P D Gopalan

  • 1Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa.

Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|April 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Phaeochromocytoma rarely causes myocardial infarction. This case highlights a patient with coronary artery disease who experienced a heart attack despite alpha-blockade, underscoring complex cardiovascular risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Phaeochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor, can cause significant cardiovascular complications due to catecholamine excess.
  • Myocardial infarction (MI) is an uncommon but serious complication associated with phaeochromocytoma.

Observation:

  • A patient with phaeochromocytoma experienced an acute myocardial infarction despite receiving alpha adrenoceptor blockade therapy.
  • Coronary artery disease was identified as a coexisting condition in the patient.

Findings:

  • The patient did not meet the criteria for coronary revascularization procedures.
  • Adrenalectomy, the surgical removal of the adrenal gland, was successfully performed four weeks after the myocardial infarction.

Implications:

  • This case prompts discussion on the contributing factors to MI in phaeochromocytoma patients, including the potential role of beta adrenoceptor blockade.
  • The optimal timing for adrenalectomy and the necessity of coronary revascularization in such complex cases require careful consideration.

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