The sympathetic neural hyperalgesia/edema syndrome, a common cause of female pelvic pain, manifestingas a pseudopheochromocytoma with marked clinical improvement with sympathomimetic amines

Abstract

Purpose: To show that a common but not well-known disorder of the sympathetic nervous system can present with symptoms suggesting a pheochromocytoma. Materials and Methods: The standard treatment of this disorder (which is characterized by an abnormal water load test), i.e., sympathomimetic amine therapy, was given to a woman with paroxysmal tachycardia and hypertension. Results: Over a period of six months, the treatment eradicated the paroxysmal symptoms to which all other therapies had failed. Conclusions: This condition recently named as sympathetic neural hyperalgesia edema syndrome can present with symptoms of a pheochromocytoma and will respond to therapy with low dosages of dextroamphetamine sulfate.