Bilateral pheochromocytoma in young healthy patient

Abstract

Background: Pheochromocytomas are exceedingly rare adrenal tumors that secrete excess catecholamines resulting in hypertension, headaches, sweating, arrythmias and even death. The incidence of this tumor is estimated between 500 and 1600 cases per year1. The incidence of bilateral pheochromocytomas is exceedingly rare and estimated at 8-10% of all patients diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma. Majority of all bilateral cases are linked to inheritable conditions. Our patient is a twenty-three-year-old healthy female who presented with palpitations, chest tightness and shortness of breath. She was subsequently found to have bilateral active pheochromocytomas.