Levodopa-induced pseudopheochromocytoma

Abstract

Pseudopheochromocytoma is a pathological condition presenting with paroxysmal hypertension with normal or moderate elevation in catecholamines and metanephrine levels, but no evidence of a tumoural cause. Imaging studies and I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy are essential for exclusion of pheocromocytoma. We describe a case of pseudopheochromocytoma related to levodopa in a patient with paroxysmal hypertension, headache, sweating, palpitations and increased plasmatic and urinary metanephrine levels, without adrenal or extra-adrenal tumour. The beginning of the patient´s clinical symptoms coincided with the initiation of the levodopa treatment and the complete resolution of the symptoms occurred after the discontinuation of levodopa.

A 78-year-old male with Rasagiline-Induced Pseudopheochromocytoma: The first Case Report from Syria

“…[2] A clinical disorder known as pseudophaeochromocytoma manifests as severe paroxysmal vasoconstriction with normal or mildly-to-moderately elevated levels of catecholamines and metanephrine, without any indication of a tumorous etiology.The patients exhibit severe paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis due to the activation of the adrenergic system. [2,3] There is currently no consensus on the best course of action for managing hypertensive paroxysms acutely or preventing them. Psychopharmacologic therapy, psychological therapies, and hypertension medication therapy (often combining α-and β-blockade) are therapeutic approaches for preventative management.…”