Pheochromocytoma crisis caused by Campylobacter fetus

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma crisis is a life-threatening endocrine emergency associated with symptoms of excess release of catecholamines. It might present spontaneously or be unmasked by triggers including trauma, surgery and certain medications that provoke catecholamine release by tumors. Here we report a case of pheochromocytoma crisis associated with abscess formation in the tumor and bacteremia of Campylobacter fetus, which was successfully treated with antibiotics and a surgical resection. This case appears to be the first reported case in the literature of abscess formation by C. fetus in pheochromocytoma, leading to catecholamine crisis.