Adrenaline rush: an unusual presentation of phaeochromocytoma

A 44-year-old man presented to the accident and emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Admission ECG revealed ischaemic changes. He had markedly elevated troponin T and a severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction with regional motion wall abnormalities. He was initially treated in intensive care for acute myocardial infarction. When his renal function improved, an angiogram was performed, which showed unobstructed coronary arteries. He was later found to have a phaeochromocytoma. This case illustrates a rare diagnosis presenting with common symptoms that could easily have been missed. On admission to hospital, patients can easily be labelled with a diagnosis and put on a treatment pathway, such as acute coronary syndrome. It is important for clinicians to keep an open mind and be prepared to review the diagnosis if the history does not fit.