Diamorphine-induced Attack of Paroxysmal Hypertension in Phaeochromocytoma

Abstract

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension accounting for less than 0.1% of cases (Sjoerdsma, 1971). We describe a patient with this condition in whom clinical diagnosis was made during an acute myocardial infarction and who developed hypertensive crises and typical attacks in response to diamorphine administration. We believe that diamorphine caused histamine release which stimulated release of catecholamines. We suggest that opiates should not be used in patients with phaeochromocytoma. © 1974, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.