Pheochromocytoma Case Study

The following case study is conducted in regards to a 34-year-old women diagnosed with pheochromocytoma after an episode of malignant hypertension. Pheochromocytoma has been studied extensively, and the pathophysiology has been determined to be a result of a rare tumor that starts in the cells of the adrenal glands and causes increased and inappropriate hormone secretion. The resulting symptoms of the tumor are unspecific and includes, high blood pressure, sweating, irregular heartbeat and headache. The vague signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma lead to a difficult and commonly misdiagnosed disease. The treatment options are limited to the surgical removal of the tumor. Further studies are suggested to identify a prompter system of diagnosis, since the tumor poses imminent danger.

Pheochromocytoma: A Catecholamine Producing Tumor

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine secreting neuroendocrine tumor, originating from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla (Lee, T., Lin, K., Chang, C., Lew, W., & Lee, T., 2013). Individuals whom are diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, have a single treatment modality of surgical removal. A rigorous system of blood pressure management must be utilized

She had no prior medical diagnosis’s, until approximately two years earlier when she developed new-onset hypertension. Hypertension ran in the patient’s family, however the patient led an active and healthy life style including the participation in marathons and triathlons. When the patient was seen by her primary care physician, it was determined that she had hypertension secondary to a familial linkage. The patient was put on an ace-inhibitor in an attempt to control her increasing blood pressure. The patient was unsuccessfully treated with an ace-inhibitor and a vasodilator and diuretic was added to her treatment