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Cardiomyopathy due to pheochromocytoma

P Kounatiadis1, V Kolettas, A Megarisiotou

  • 1Kardiologische Klinik, Unikrankenhaus AXEPA Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Herz
|September 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pheochromocytoma can cause myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. Surgical removal of the adrenal tumor reversed cardiac dysfunction, normalizing ejection fraction and ECG findings.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pheochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor, can present with diverse cardiovascular manifestations.
  • Distinguishing tumor-induced cardiomyopathy from typical ischemic heart disease is clinically challenging.

Observation:

  • A 33-year-old woman presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction symptoms, reduced ejection fraction, and hypertensive peaks.
  • Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, ruling out obstructive coronary artery disease.
  • Imaging and biochemical tests identified an adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathy.
  • Post-surgical resection of the tumor led to the reversal of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
  • Ejection fraction and electrocardiogram findings normalized after treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering pheochromocytoma in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved coronary arteries.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical management of pheochromocytoma can lead to complete recovery of cardiac function.
  • Pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of secondary cardiomyopathies.

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