Pheochromocytoma associated ventricular tachycardia blocked with atenolol

Ventricular tachycardia in patients with phenochromocytoma is rare. We report a patient with a norepinephrine-secreting extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma who had exercise induced ventricular tachycardia. Prior to diagnosis, the patient was treated with a selective beta 1 blocker, atenolol, which resulted in suppression of the dysrhythmia and amelioration of the hypertension. This is the first reported case of selective beta blockade suppressing ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a pheochromocytoma. Electrocardiographic abnormalities described in patients with pheochromocytoma are reviewed.