Severe constipation as the presenting complaint of phaeochromocytoma
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Updated: Oct 30, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
1Department of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA.
Abstract:
Phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour which may present with gastrointestinal features. We report two patients who presented with severe constipation and were found to have a malignant phaeochromocytoma. Both patients deteriorated following barium contrast radiology. In the first patient, constipation improved following pharmacological manipulation with alpha and beta adrenoreceptor antagonists. The diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma must be considered in a constipated patient with the features of catecholamine excess.
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