Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
14:09
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
20.9K
MEN2B Masquerading as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Ghazi Khan1, John Giacona1, Sasan Mirfakhraee2
1Hypertension Section, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 12, 2022
Summary
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B can cause subtle cardiovascular issues like rapid heart rate and lightheadedness. These symptoms may mimic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome due to excess catecholamines from pheochromocytoma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) is a rare genetic disorder.
- MEN2B is associated with pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and marfanoid habitus.
- Cardiovascular complications of pheochromocytoma, including hypertension and stress cardiomyopathy, are recognized.
Observation:
- Clinical presentation of pheochromocytoma-related cardiovascular issues can be subtle.
- Elevated heart rate and lightheadedness are key symptoms observed.
- These symptoms can be induced by catecholamine excess.
Findings:
- Catecholamine excess in MEN2B can lead to symptoms mimicking postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
- The case report highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by these overlapping clinical features.
- Subtle cardiovascular manifestations require careful evaluation in MEN2B patients.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering pheochromocytoma in the differential diagnosis of POTS-like symptoms.
- Enhanced awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and management of MEN2B.
- Further research into the cardiovascular manifestations of MEN2B is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
39
IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular...
39
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
133
Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...
133
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
43
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
43
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
1.4K
Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
1.4K
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
29
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
29
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
801
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's...
801