Pheochromocytoma presenting as massive hemoptysis and acute respiratory failure

• Published in: The American journal of emergency medicine Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 626.e3 - 626.e4
• Main Authors: Yoshida, Takeshi, MD, Ishihara, Hideki, MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2009; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - diagnosis; Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Emergency; Emergency medical care; Hemoptysis - diagnosis; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Medical diagnosis; Medical treatment; Mortality; Pheochromocytoma - diagnosis; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0735-6757; 1532-8171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2008.08.023

Massive hemoptysis, an extremely life-threatening condition with a high mortality, requires prompt diagnosis. Pheochromocytoma describes various clinical manifestations attributable to the excessive secretion of catecholamine by the tumor, however the disease is not typically included the differential diagnoses of massive hemoptysis. We describe a case of a 33-year-old man with acute respiratory failure due to cardiovascular crisis and massive hemoptysis as a presenting symptom of pheochromocytoma. Failure to recognize massive hemoptysis as a presenting symptom of pheochromocytoma could miss the diagnosis and a risk a catastrophic outcome. Therefore, massive hemoptysis should be considered as a possible presenting symptom of pheochromocytoma, especially in patients with severe paroxysmal hypertension.