Pheochromocytoma

Your Path

  • Pheochromocytoma

Etiology

  • Inappropriate secretion of epi/norepi from adrenal medulla (rare condition)

Risk Factors

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Associated w/MEN2 (rare): medullary thyroid cancer, hyper-parathyroidism and pheochromocytoma

Symptoms

  • Assoc w/findings related to abrupt, paroxysmal increase in sympathetic d/c--> headache, sweating, sense of pounding heart rate
  • Fatigue following episodes
  • Rarely causes cardiomyopathy

Physical Exam Findings

  • Sweating
  • Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Tests