Adrenal Pheochromocytoma: The Great Masquerader

Cureus. 2024 Oct 27;16(10):e72483. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72483. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is an uncommon tumor that is often disregarded because of its diverse clinical presentation, which can range from completely unusual symptoms to potentially fatal consequences. Timely diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is crucial due to its treatable form of secondary hypertension and its frequent association with malignancy and metastatic disease. To develop clinical suspicion of pheochromocytoma and establish a rapid diagnosis, physicians must be knowledgeable about pertinent clinical symptoms and diagnostic procedures. The consequences of pheochromocytoma misdiagnosis could be disastrous, even lethal. The purpose of this study is to provide a case series, with a focus on the unique characteristics of the patients, their clinical presentation, the diagnostic assessment, and the intraoperative and postoperative results. A brief overview of pertinent literature and current recommendations is provided to highlight pheochromocytoma screening and suitable diagnostic techniques.

Keywords: adrenal; computed tomography; hypertension; metanephrine; pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports