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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Pheochromocytoma-induced segmental myocardial dysfunction mimicking an acute myocardial infarction in a patient with

Eduardo S Darzé1, Roberto L Von Sohsten

  • 1Serviço de Cardiologia/Ecocardiografia, Hospital Aliança, Salvador, BA, 41920-000, Brazil. esdarze@ufba.br

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|March 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pheochromocytoma can cause heart dysfunction and ECG changes mimicking heart attack, likely from coronary spasm. Treatment with alpha-blockers and tumor removal resolved these cardiac issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor, can cause significant cardiovascular complications due to excess catecholamine release.
  • Hypertensive crisis is a known manifestation of pheochromocytoma, but cardiac dysfunction is less commonly recognized.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with symptoms and electrocardiographic findings suggestive of acute anterior myocardial infarction.
  • Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • Echocardiography demonstrated segmental myocardial dysfunction.

Findings:

  • The patient's condition was attributed to pheochromocytoma-induced coronary artery spasm.
  • Cardiac abnormalities, including electrocardiographic changes and myocardial dysfunction, resolved completely following treatment with an alpha-adrenergic blocker and surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical importance of considering pheochromocytoma in patients with unexplained myocardial events, especially in the presence of a hypertensive crisis.
  • Early diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma can prevent potentially life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for endocrine causes of cardiac dysfunction.

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