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Intestinal pseudo-obstruction in pheochromocytoma
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare complication of pheochromocytoma. This case study shows that high catecholamine levels cause this condition, which responds to phentolamine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor, can secrete excessive catecholamines.
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is an uncommon but serious complication.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male presented with a large right adrenal pheochromocytoma and markedly elevated catecholamine levels.
- The patient developed symptoms consistent with intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
Findings:
- Intravenous phentolamine administration led to prompt resolution of the pseudo-obstruction.
- This suggests a direct link between high circulating catecholamines and impaired gastrointestinal motility.
Implications:
- This case supports the hypothesis that catecholamine excess directly inhibits gastrointestinal motility.
- Understanding this mechanism may guide the management of gastrointestinal dysfunction in pheochromocytoma patients.