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Published on: June 12, 2021
Pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock
Smits Louis1, Hameurlaine Selma2, Tinton Nicolas1
1Department of Abdominal Surgery, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, Gilly, Belgium.
Insights
Pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS) is a rare condition mimicking Takotsubo Syndrome. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for survival in patients experiencing this catecholamine storm.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare neuroendocrine tumor, secretes excess catecholamines.
- It affects <1% of adults with hypertension, sometimes presenting with headache, sweating, and tachycardia.
- Rarely, catecholamine excess can cause cardiogenic shock, mimicking Takotsubo Syndrome.
Background:
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor of neuroendocrine origin. It has a prevalence of <1% in adults with hypertension. In some cases, hypertension is associated with the classical triad of headache, sweating, and tachycardia. Cardiogenic shock due to stress-induced cardiomyopathy caused by catecholamine excess may rarely be the initial symptom of pheochromocytoma, mimicking Takotsubo Syndrome.
Methods:
We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS) in the early postoperative period after thyroidectomy.
Results:
PICS is caused by a catecholamine storm, which induces myocardial stress and cardiac dysfunction. In such cases, early management with mechanical circulatory assistance may be promptly considered, given the increased risk of mortality.
Conclusion:
PICS is a rare and serious condition. Prompt diagnosis and adequate resuscitation measures are necessary to avoid high mortality.
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