ABSTRACT
We report the case of a 48-year old woman where probably the intramuscular administration of glucocorticoids by an orthopedist induced a pheochromocytoma crisis. The development of a cardiogenic shock with a cardiac arrest made the use of a venoarterial extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO, Cardiohelp®, Maquet, Rastatt) necessary. To treat a pulmonary edema under VA-ECMO an Impella-CP® (Abiomed, Aachen) was implanted. A coronary angiography, endomyocardial biopsies and a computer tomography were performed. Finally a 7 cm × 5 cm tumor mass in the left adrenal medulla was detected. The blood values presented high levels of catecholamines. The total results of the examinations led us to the final diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma which was finally surgical removed.
