Gastrointestinal pseudo-obstruction due to pheochromocytoma

A patient with a pheochromocytoma is described whose intermittent symptoms and clinical findings suggested upper gastrointestinal obstruction. The nature of this illness proved elusive until severe paroxysmal hypertension was noted during a periodic examination. The case report and gastrointestinal x-rays confirm the intermittent nature of both the gastrointestinal motility disturbances and the hypertension. The resolution of the gastrointestinal symptoms during a 3-years postoperative follow-up confirms the association. Gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely the predominant manifestation of pheochromocytoma, but recognition of this association may permit earlier diagnosis.