Undiagnosed phaeochromocytoma in the perioperative period. Case reports

Phaeochromocytomas appear as frequently as one in 1000-2000 patients. Release of catecholamines may be triggered by events in the perioperative period. Patients whose phaeochromocytomas are diagnosed in this period, have a mortality of about 80%. Three patients with perioperative debut of symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma are presented. A possible drug-induced release of catecholamines from the tumour is suggested for two of the patients. The first symptoms of a phaeochromocytoma may be arrhythmias and shock, which favours the use of adrenergic blockade prior to elective removal of phaeochromocytomas. Therapeutic approaches to the treatment of catecholamine-induced heart failure may be potassium and magnesium supplements and possibly drugs reducing circulating angiotensin II activities. Caution is advised in the use of digitalis.