Pheochromocytoma presenting as recurrent hypotension and syncope

Abstract

We report a case with pheochromocytoma presenting as recurrent syncope due to hypotension. A 71-year-old man was admitted because of recurrent syncope and paroxysmal hypotension. He was diagnosed as having pheochromocytoma. In spite of a large volume of infusion and insulin therapy, syncope and paroxysmal hypotension continued. We speculated that hypotension was mainly due to vasodilatation caused by excess plasma epinephrine and prescribed a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker. It stabilized blood pressure and syncope disappeared. The right adrenal tumor was excised and he was discharged in good condition. This case report provides some implications for the management of pheochromocytoma complicated with hypotension.