Advantages of sutureless aortic valve in a patient with unsuspected pheochromocytoma

We describe a 60-year-old man who underwent elective aortic valve replacement and concurrent single graft coronary artery bypass surgery with acute intraoperative hypertension. The early suspicion of a pheochromocytoma and immediate aggressive pharmacologic intervention are discussed. Expeditious surgery contributed to the good outcome. It is possible that the short implant time of the sutureless valve may have been beneficial, but this is speculative. The management of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma presenting during general anesthesia is reviewed.