Bradydysrhythmia-related presyncope secondary to pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma endures as a life-threatening disorder. In the absence of systemic hypertension, diagnosis may be difficult. We present a 46-year-old normotensive male with a history of presyncope. One of these episodes could be documented, and revealed symptomatic bradycardia suspicious of sinus node arrest. Due to hints of an elevated sympathetic tone (Schellong test, circadian blood pressure pattern without diurnal rhythm) 24-h urinary catecholamine concentrations were measured and found increased. MIBG-scintigraphy and abdominal- computed tomography indicated the location of the pheochromocytoma. After removal of the tumour, no further episodes of presyncopes or bradydysrhythmias were observed.