Central extracorporeal life support in pheochromocytoma crisis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2012 Apr;93(4):1303-5. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.09.018.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor associated with clinical presentations ranging from paroxysmal hypertension to intractable cardiogenic shock. We report the use of central extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in a young woman admitted to the intensive care unit with cardiogenic shock. Her medical history included neurofibromatosis type I and pheochromocytoma. ECLS was needed because of severe left ventricular failure and inotropic therapy unresponsiveness. ECLS permitted full recovery of left ventricular function. Right adrenelectomy was performed 4 months later. In this case, central ECLS was used to treat pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock complicated by pulmonary edema.

MeSH terms

  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / etiology
  • Pheochromocytoma / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology
  • Pulmonary Edema / surgery*
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / etiology
  • Shock, Cardiogenic / surgery*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / surgery
  • Young Adult