Author/Authors :
Bekelaar, Thalia Department of Cardiology - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Nougon, Gervais Department of Emergency Medicine - Sint-Jozef Hospital, Malle, Belgium , Peters, Marc Department of Emergency Medicine - Sint-Jozef Hospital, Malle, Belgium , Roeck, Frederic De Department of Cardiology - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Haine, Steven Department of Cardiology - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Ysebaert, Dirk Department of Hepatobiliary Transplantation Endocrine Surgery - Antwerp University Hospital - University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Spinhoven, Maarten Department of Radiology - Antwerp University Hospital - University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Jorens, Philippe G. Intensive Care Medicine - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Paep, Rudi De Intensive Care Medicine - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium , Lahaye, Frederik Intensive Care Medicine - Antwerp University Hospital -University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
Abstract :
Cardiogenic shock during a pheochromocytoma crisis is a life-threatening disorder. This case report illustrates a 49-year-old male
with profound cardiogenic shock, extreme hemodynamic instability (systolic blood pressure ranging from 45 up to 290 mmHg in a
cyclic pattern), and progressive multiple organ failure in the presence of a unilateral adrenal mass. Emergency adrenalectomy led to
rapid hemodynamic stabilization. Histological investigation confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. This case indicates
that emergency adrenalectomy, although usually not considered first choice, is a valid option in cardiogenic shock and
extremely fluctuating hemodynamics due to a pheochromcytoma-induced catecholamine storm.
Keywords :
Adrenalectomy , Life-Saving Emergency , Pheochromocytoma , Cardiogenic Shock
