[Pseudophaeochromocytoma (hypertensive crisis as a result of beta receptor hypersensitivity?)]

The diagnosis of phaeocromocytoma could be excluded in a 57 year-old man suffering from "typical" hypertensive paroxysms by using modern standardized technics. The presented disorder which has been named pseudophaeochromocytoma may include different pathogenetical entities. In the observed case the background of the disorder was thought to be "beta-receptor hyperresponsiveness" which has been confirmed by the determination of the urinary catecholamine excretion as well as by the introduction of a new isoproterenol infusion method. In response to beta-blocking agents (which are contraindicated in phaeochromocytoma) no further hypertensive crises occurred, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the patient's condition.