We report the case of a young patient of 37 presenting with two attacks of pulmonary oedema which revealed an underlying pheochromocytoma. The diagnosis was suggested by the raised level of vanyl-mandelic acid in the urine and the abdominal CT scan. After an adrenalectomy the outcome was satisfactory. Pheochromocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the acute respiratory distress syndrome in the adult linked to the action of the circulating catecholamines on the pulmonary capillaries.