Pheochromocytoma presenting as acute myocarditis with cardiogenic shock in two cases

Pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor. The classic symptoms are headache, diaphoresis, and tachycardia with paroxysmal hypertension. Other less common cardio-vascular manifestations, such as arrhythmias, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, acute heart failure, and cardiogenic shock, have occasionally been reported. Here, we report two middle-aged men with acute myocarditis and cardiogenic shock, who needed an intra-aortic balloon pump and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation for life support. They were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and underwent laparoscopic adrenectomy that restored cardiac function. These cases illustrate diagnostic and management considerations in pheochromocytoma complicated by acute myocarditis and cardiogenic shock.