Unusual Presentation of Pheochromocytoma with Polyphagia

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is adrenal medullary tumor known to present in protean ways, especially in children. Here we des cribe a case of adrenal pheochromocytoma in young girl of 13 years presenting with polyphagia as a predominant symptom. She was successfully treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None CASe RepoRTA 13 years old girl presented with history of two self-limiting attacks of transient blackouts (amaurosis fugax) associated with palpitations since 1 month. During one of the episodes, the measured blood pressure was 210/120 mm Hg. She was put on calcium channel blockers and fundus examination showed grade II hypertensive retinopathy. She was referred to us for further treatment as there was history of hypothyroidism too. Further history evoked the striking chief complaint of polyphagia with craving for bizarre foods, beverages and snacks, which were rarely savoured by her in the past. She was craving for non-vegetarian food, ice-creams, pizzas, chalk, raw rice. This craving was more marked at midnights and early mornings. Renal function tests were within normal limits. Computed tomography (CT) of brain and neurological examination was normal. Other causes of secondary hypertension, such as vasogenic and drug intake were excluded. On further evaluation, there were neither stigmata nor family history of MEN syndromes, paraganglioma, Carney's complex, neurofibromatosis or VHL syndrome. Twenty-four hour urinary metanephcase report Consultant