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Published on: May 16, 2020
Phaeochromocytoma presenting as dilated cardiomyopathy
M N Attar1, P K Moulik, G D Salem
1Department of Medicine, Halton General Hospital, Runcorn, Cheshire, UK.
Insights
Phaeochromocytoma, a rare endocrine tumor, can cause dilated cardiomyopathy. Surgical removal of the adrenal tumor resolved the patient's heart condition, hypertension, and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Phaeochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumors causing excess catecholamine secretion.
- Catecholamine excess can lead to cardiac complications like myocarditis and cardiomyopathy.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy of uncertain etiology requires investigation into rare causes.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes presented with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Initial diagnosis considered ischemic heart disease, but coronary angiography was normal.
- Carvedilol treatment revealed characteristic phaeochromocytoma features.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of a right adrenal tumor was performed.
- The patient's symptoms, hypertension, and diabetes were cured post-surgery.
- Significant improvement in cardiac function was observed after tumor removal.
Implications:
- Phaeochromocytoma is a rare but treatable cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can reverse cardiac dysfunction.
- This case highlights the importance of considering endocrine disorders in cardiac patients.
Abstract:
Phaeochromocytomas are rare endocrine tumours that secrete excessive amounts of catecholamines and can lead to myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. We report a 63-year-old man with long-standing hypertension and diabetes who presented with dilated cardiomyopathy, which was initially thought to be secondary to ischaemic heart disease. Subsequent coronary angiography was normal. Carvedilol therapy unmasked the characteristic features of phaeochromocytoma. Surgical resection of a right adrenal tumour cured his symptoms, hypertension and diabetes, as well as causing a substantial improvement in cardiac function. Phaeochromocytoma should be considered as a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy of uncertain aetiology.
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