Myocarditis and Phaeochromocytomata

Two case histories are presented in each of which an unexpected postoperative death was associated with a previously unsuspected phaochromocytoma, and post-mortem examination disclosed the presence of myocarditis. It is suggested that the myocarditis and the gross cardiac arrhythmias leading to the death of the patients may be connected. It is urged that this diagnosis should be kept in mind when unexpected arrhythmias develop in relationship to operation, and that the alpha and beta adrenergic blockers may have a therapeutic value in these circumstances.