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Reversible catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy due to pheochromocytoma: case report
Milan Satendra1, Cláudia de Jesus2, Armando L Bordalo e Sá1
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal.
Insights
Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor, can cause heart failure due to excess catecholamines. Early diagnosis and treatment led to significant recovery of heart function in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor arising from chromaffin cells.
- It secretes excessive catecholamines, leading to various clinical manifestations.
- Cardiovascular complications, including cardiomyopathy, are significant concerns.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Investigations revealed an underlying pheochromocytoma as the cause.
- The patient experienced severe left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma was performed.
- Post-treatment, the patient showed dramatic symptomatic improvement.
- Left ventricular function significantly recovered, reversing the cardiomyopathy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering pheochromocytoma in unexplained cardiomyopathy.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma can lead to complete cardiovascular recovery.
- Highlights the reversible nature of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy.
Abstract:
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor originating from chromaffin tissue. It commonly presents with symptoms and signs of catecholamine excess, such as hypertension, tachycardia, headache and sweating. Cardiovascular manifestations include catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, which may present as severe left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure. We report a case of pheochromocytoma which was diagnosed following investigation of dilated cardiomyopathy. We highlight the dramatic symptomatic improvement and reversal of cardiomyopathy, with recovery of left ventricular function after treatment.
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