Pseudopheochromocytoma Associated with Domestic Assault

Abstract

Pseudopheochromocytoma has a clinical presentation that is similar to pheochromocytoma. It manifests itself with paroxysmal hypertension crises, associated with various symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, nausea, palpitations, and dizziness. Patients are usually asymptomatic in between the crises. Unlike pheochromocytoma, there is no catecholamines overproduction in this pathology: hypertensive peaks are caused by a hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often triggered by a psychological trauma in the past. Treatment of pseudopheochromocytoma can be challenging due to normal blood pressure values in between the hypertensive peaks; it includes alpha- and beta-blockers for moderate crises and prevention and must be combined with psychopharmacologic agents such as anxiolytics or antidepressant drugs. Psychotherapy and dietetic treatment are also crucial in pseudopheochromocytoma management.

A 78-year-old male with Rasagiline-Induced Pseudopheochromocytoma: The first Case Report from Syria

“…Although reports of occurrences in Black Africans have also been made, pseudopseudopheochromocytoma is primarily associated with White Caucasians. [4] Following the activation of the adrenergic system, the patients exhibit severe paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by diaphoresis, palpitations, and headaches. [5] Heart problems such myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary edema have also been documented, in addition to atrial or ventricular brillation.…”

“…Psychopharmacologic therapy, psychological therapies, and hypertension medication therapy (often combining α-and β-blockade) are therapeutic approaches for preventative management. [4] At doses advised for treating panic disorder, antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), have been shown to prevent paroxysmal recurrence in the majority of patients. But there is a dearth of data to inform therapy, and what little there is comes from small patient populations.…”