A rare clinical presentation of pheochromocytoma: a young patient in severe cardiogenic shock with secondary Takotsubo syndrome - Corraro, A.; Fleck, M.; Theil, P.; Schwendinger, M. (BMJ Case Rep, 2026)
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumour that can cause transient cardiomyopathy resembling Takotsubo syndrome due to catecholamine excess. Its diagnosis is often challenging because of the tumour's rarity and the non-specific, often paroxysmal nature of symptoms. We present the case of a previously healthy woman in her 30s who developed non-specific symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and palpitations, progressing to cardiogenic shock with severely impaired biventricular function requiring mechanical circulatory support. Further investigations revealed a pheochromocytoma-induced Takotsubo syndrome, which was successfully treated with adrenalectomy. This case report supports current evidence that early recognition and aggressive supportive care, including mechanical circulatory support as a bridge to surgery, can lead to full recovery from severe catecholamine-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Keywords: journalArticle; *Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/complications/surgery/diagnosis; *Pheochromocytoma/complications/surgery/diagnosis; *Shock, Cardiogenic/etiology/diagnosis; *Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy/etiology/diagnosis; Adrenal disorders; Adrenalectomy; Adult; Adult intensive care; Cardiogenic Shock; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Heart failure; Humans; Primary Care