Pheochromocytoma

An unusual cause of angina

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are chromaffin cell tumors derived from the neural crest and are associated with the production of catecholamines. They are uncommon tumors, with an annual incidence of 2 to 8 cases per 1 million adults a year, representing an unusual cause of secondary hypertension. They produce significant amounts of dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine making them responsible for symptoms such as cephalea, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. We present the case of a 53-year-old male with a history of chronic, self-limited tachycardia, heart palpitations, and diaphoresis. However, on this occasion, his symptoms were accompanied by acute chest pain leading to the emergency department whose diagnostic workup led to the incidental finding of a unilateral suprarenal mass on a chest angiotomography, which was eventually resectioned and diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma. His follow-up consults show he"(TM)s evolved excellently. In conclusion, pheochromocytoma is an extremely rare tumor with unspecified symptoms leading to an untimely diagnosis.