Acute appendicitis in a patient with undiagnosed pheochromocytoma

Anesth Analg. 2006 Feb;102(2):642-3. doi: 10.1213/01.ane.0000184827.79120.43.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor that can cause severe hypertension and other systemic disturbances. A clinical challenge arises when a patient with a previously undiagnosed and untreated pheochromocytoma presents with a surgical emergency. We describe a patient presenting with acute appendicitis in whom surgery was cancelled because of suspected pheochromocytoma. The possibility of mortality associated with surgery in a patient with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma outweighed the risk of nonoperative management for appendicitis. This case resulted in a nonoperative resolution of appendicitis and an unremarkable recovery once appropriate hypertension treatment was administered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Appendectomy
  • Appendicitis / complications*
  • Appendicitis / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis