Management of type A aortic dissection and a large pheochromocytoma: a surgical dilemma

The concomitant presence of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma at the time of an acute type A aortic dissection creates a difficult management dilemma. The case of a patient with an acute type A aortic dissection and pheochromocytoma was stabilized with catecholamine blockade before undergoing ascending aortic and total arch replacement. Fourteen days later the patient underwent resection of the pheochromocytoma. Temporizing medical stabilization of the pheochromocytoma with catecholamine blockade for a period of 5 days allowed for safe aortic reconstruction and seems to be prudent, provided that the aortic dissection remains relatively stable.