Ruptured phaeochromocytoma--a rare differential diagnosis of acute abdomen

Ruptured phaeochromocytoma may mimic other cause of acute abdomen and though it is rare, it must be remembered as a possible differential; clinical suspicion should be increased when there is lability in blood pressure. We report a patient whose presentation closely resembles that of a leaking aortic aneurysm. The ultrasound performed was non conclusive and was followed by a computerised axial tomography which showed a retroperitoneal mass. A laparotomy was performed and histology of the mass revealed a haemorrhagic phaeochromocytoma. A computerised axial tomography is a useful investigation to distinguish it from other causes of acute abdomen and in particular a leaking aortic aneurysm.