Subarachnoid Hemorrhage as the First Manifestation of Pheochromocytoma with Remission of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Postsurgery

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma, a rare but life-threatening etiology of secondary hypertension, must be considered in patients with unexplained deterioration of glycemic control and new onset or worsening hypertension. We present the case of a 52-year-old female recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with a history of hypertension and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), who reported intermittent headaches and palpitations at a routine checkup. Further evaluation confirmed elevated levels of urinary and plasma metanephrines, and imaging revealed a mass lesion in the right adrenal gland consistent with pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy with successful resolution of hypertension and diabetes. This case underscores considering pheochromocytoma as a differential in cases of hypertensive emergency or resistant hypertension, highlighting the potential for remission of hypertension and T2DM following tumor removal.