Abstract
BackgroundPheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumour that leads to various symptoms. Haemoptysis is rarely caused by a pheochromocytoma occurring outside the bronchus or thoracic cavity. Here, we report the case of an extra-adrenal abdominal pheochromocytoma initially manifesting as haemoptysis/dyspnoea during exercise without classic symptoms.Case presentationA 22-year-old man with a history of severe dyspnoea experienced difficulties in breathing following a marathon owing to haemoptysis that required ventilator management 1 year before presentation. His father had undergone surgery for ectopic pheochromocytoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 30-mm tumour between the inferior vena cava and pancreatic head while urinalysis revealed abnormally high noradrenaline levels. He was clinically diagnosed with an extra-adrenal abdominal ectopic pheochromocytoma. After controlling blood pressure, surgery was performed, and the tumour was successfully removed. Histopathology revealed chromogranin A (+), synaptophysin (+), S100 protein (+), and MIB-1 index of 1%. Therefore, the patient was finally diagnosed with extra-adrenal abdominal ectopic pheochromocytoma.ConclusionsHaemoptysis is a rare manifestation of abdominal ectopic paraganglioma. Prompt consideration of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma when patients experience haemoptysis without any other possible aetiology may prevent inappropriate diagnosis and treatment and ultimately fatalities.
Highlights
Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumour that leads to various symptoms
Haemoptysis is a rare manifestation of abdominal ectopic paraganglioma
Catecholamine-secreting tumours derived from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia are referred to as pheochromocytomas and extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas, respectively
Summary
Haemoptysis is a rare manifestation of abdominal ectopic paraganglioma. Prompt consideration of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma when patients experience haemoptysis without any other possible aetiology may prevent inappropriate diagnosis and treatment and fatalities.
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