Pheochromocytoma presenting with headache, panic attacks and jaundice in a child

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 8, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling

Published on: September 15, 2017

O Gökçe1, C Gökçe, S Günel

  • 1Department of Surgery, Firat University School of Medicine, Elaziğ, Turkey.

Headache
|July 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Pheochromocytoma in children can present with psychiatric symptoms like depression and panic disorder, mimicking other illnesses. Tumor removal resolved these symptoms, highlighting its importance in pediatric differential diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, often presenting with diverse symptoms that can mimic other conditions.
  • Neuropsychiatric manifestations of pheochromocytoma are increasingly recognized, primarily in adult populations.
  • Pediatric cases of pheochromocytoma with psychiatric symptoms are exceptionally rare, necessitating further investigation.

Observation:

  • A unique case of a child with pheochromocytoma presenting with both depression and panic disorder is detailed.
  • The patient experienced persistent depression with constricting headaches and acute panic disorder with migraine-type headaches.
  • Jaundice was also observed, potentially linked to catecholamine effects on hepatocytes.

Findings:

  • Psychiatric symptoms, including depression and panic disorder, were directly associated with the pheochromocytoma.
  • Symptomatic resolution occurred post-surgical removal of the tumor, confirming the causal link.
  • The case suggests a potential adverse effect of catecholamines on liver function, leading to jaundice.

Implications:

  • Pheochromocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis of pediatric pheochromocytoma can prevent severe clinical complications.
  • This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach in children with unexplained psychiatric and physical symptoms.

More Related Videos

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection02:22

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Published on: April 12, 2024

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point03:13

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Published on: June 28, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Panic Disorder01:27

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Jaundice01:25

Jaundice

Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...