Pseudo-phaeochromocytoma due to alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal hypertension is a common clinical problem which often goes unrecognized. We report a case in which the symptoms and signs of withdrawal with a marked elevation in blood pressure mimicked the features of a phaeochromocytoma. Despite a positive phentolamine test no further evidence for phaeochromocytoma was found and both blood pressure and symptoms settled as the features of alcohol withdrawal abated.