COVID-19 Mediating the Development of Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has affected many people around the globe and is known for its effect on the lungs in the human body. However studies have shown the association of COVID-19 and its effect on other organs of the human body. Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor caused by the mutation in the genes and causes overproduction of catecholeamines in the human body resulting in hypertension, headache, elevated sweating, anxiety and panic attacks. Studies have determined that COVID-19 causes adrenal dysfunction but limited data is available to determine the direct relationship of COVID and pheochromocytoma. Case presentation: The current study is based on the report of a 30 year old female patient who was admitted in the hospital for the symptoms of hypertension, dyspnea, and severe headache. The patient was also having panic attacks prior to the admission in the hospital. Conclusion: The patient was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and COVID-19. The patient showed the symptoms of activated inflammatory immune response in the adrenal gland which resulted in overproduction of catecholeamines caused by COVID and highlights the association of COVID and pheochromocytoma