Pseudopheochromocytoma: An uncommon cause of malignant hypertension

Seck, Sidy Mouhamed; Ka, Elhadji Fary; Niang, Abdou; Diouf, Boucar

doi:10.4103/0971-4065.57111

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The most frequent symptoms were chest pain (80%) followed by light-headedness (68%), headache (68%), nausea, and diaphoresis (62%). Pseudopheochromocytoma is usually described in White Caucasians but case report in Black African is also reported [ 5 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pseudopheochromocytoma Associated with Domestic Assault

Carbutti

Ilisei

et al. 2016

Case Reports in Cardiology

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Pseudopheochromocytoma has a clinical presentation that is similar to pheochromocytoma. It manifests itself with paroxysmal hypertension crises, associated with various symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, nausea, palpitations, and dizziness. Patients are usually asymptomatic in between the crises. Unlike pheochromocytoma, there is no catecholamines overproduction in this pathology: hypertensive peaks are caused by a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often triggered by a psychological trauma in the past. Treatment of pseudopheochromocytoma can be challenging due to normal blood pressure values in between the hypertensive peaks; it includes alpha- and beta-blockers for moderate crises and prevention and must be combined with psychopharmacologic agents such as anxiolytics or antidepressant drugs. Psychotherapy and dietetic treatment are also crucial in pseudopheochromocytoma management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pseudopheochromocytoma Associated with Domestic Assault

Carbutti

Ilisei

et al. 2016

Case Reports in Cardiology

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“…Pseudopheochromocytoma is a rapid onset of a constellation of symptoms generated by sympathoadrenal overdrive [ 1 , 2 ]. In most cases, this clinical syndrome includes paroxysmal (malignant) hypertension, tremor, palpitation, sweating, chest pain, headache, nausea, dizziness, and pseudoseizures [ 3 - 5 ]. The episodes of clinical symptoms and complaints may last from minutes up to hours.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pseudopheochromocytoma induced by anxiolytic withdrawal

et al. 2014

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BackgroundSymptomatic paroxysmal hypertension without significantly elevated catecholamine concentrations and with no evidence of an underlying adrenal tumor is known as pseudopheochromocytoma.MethodsWe describe the case of a female patient with paroxysmal hypertensive crises accompanied by headache, vertigo, tachycardia, nausea and altered mental status. Previously, she was treated for a longer period with alprazolam due to panic disorder. Causes of secondary hypertension were excluded. Neurological triggers (intracranial tumor, cerebral vascular lesions, hemorrhage, and epilepsy) could not be detected.ResultsSetting of the diagnosis of pseudopheochromocytoma treatment was initiated with alpha- and beta-blockers resulting in reduced frequency of symptoms. Alprazolam was restarted at a daily dose of 1 mg. The patient’s clinical condition improved rapidly and the dosage of alpha- and beta-blockers could be decreased.ConclusionsWe conclude that the withdrawal of an anxiolytic therapeutic regimen may generate sympathetic overdrive resulting in life-threatening paroxysmal malignant hypertension and secondary encephalopathy. We emphasize that pseudopheochromocytoma can be diagnosed only after exclusion of the secondary causes of hypertension. We highlight the importance of a psychopharmacological approach to this clinical entity.

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