Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40949930›Full record

ArticleWorld journal of cardiology2025

Pheochromocytoma presenting with vomiting and heart failure: A case report.

Han Cheng, Ling-Tong Gu, Jing Yang

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Article in World journal of cardiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

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3 authors.

Han ChengDepartment of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.
Ling-Tong GuDepartment of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.
Jing YangDepartment of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China. jingyang_cardio@163.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor, typically presents with the classic triad of headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis, often accompanied by cardiovascular manifestations. While vomiting occurs in approximately 34.5% of cases, it is rarely the predominant and persistent presenting symptom. Pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure is a recognized but uncommon complication. Due to its heterogeneous presentations, misdiagnosis and diagnostic delay are frequent. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old female presented predominantly with persistent and refractory vomiting as her chief complaint, accompanied by signs of acute heart failure [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30%]. Initial evaluation at a primary hospital, including coronary angiography (revealing only mild stenosis), led to a misdiagnosis of coronary artery disease. Despite standard anti-thrombotic, anti-heart failure, and anti-emetic therapy, her vomiting persisted and heart failure did not resolve. Subsequent hospitalization revealed dramatic paroxysmal hypertension (202/129 mmHg to 97/51 mmHg) and fever. Significantly elevated plasma metanephrines and normetanephrine, combined with abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, confirmed a right adrenal pheochromocytoma. This diagnosis was significantly delayed due to the atypical prominence of gastrointestinal symptoms masking the underlying endocrine crisis.

conclusionThis case highlights a highly atypical presentation of pheochromocytoma dominated by refractory vomiting and complicated by acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. It emphatically underscores that pheochromocytoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with unexplained, treatment-resistant vomiting, particularly when co-existing with acute heart failure. The presence of labile hypertension, even if not initially evident, provides a crucial diagnostic clue. Prompt biochemical screening (catecholamine metabolites) and adrenal imaging are essential to prevent diagnostic delay and enable timely, life-saving surgical intervention.

Indexed as

CardiomyopathyCase reportCatecholamineHeart failurePheochromocytomaVomit

Identifiers

PMID40949930
PMCPMC12427064

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