Pheochromocytoma presenting as heart failure

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that secretes high levels of catecholamines and usually causes paroxysmal or sustained hypertension. Various forms of myocardial damage have also been reported, including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and angina. When patients present with severe unexplained heart failure, exploring all causes for the source of cardiomyopathy is essential, especially if the cause is reversible. The authors describe the case of a young man who presented to the hospital with acute heart failure who was later diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma.