A dopamine-secreting pheochromocytoma

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2000:36 Suppl 2:S75-7. doi: 10.1097/00005344-200000006-00016.

Abstract

We describe a patient with pheochromocytoma, which secretes dopamine. He was admitted to hospital because of chronic diarrhea. After surgical resection of the tumor, dramatic cessation of the diarrhea and blood pressure elevation were observed. Decreased expression of dopamine beta-hydroxylase in the tumor was considered a possible mechanism of producing a pathophysiological concentration of dopamine. This case shows that excessive excretion of dopamine, a vasodilative hormone, may affect blood pressure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Aged
  • Catecholamines / blood
  • Dopamine / metabolism*
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase
  • Dopamine