A Case of Pheochromocytoma Initially Manifesting as Acute Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT

Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. Typical classic triad are consisted of headaches, palpitations, and profuse diaphoresis. But some patients with pheochromocytomas have other cardiovascular manifestations such as left ventricular hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmia. Rarely, pheochromocytomas manifest as acute myocardial infarction leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We experienced one case of pheochromocytoma initially manifesting as acute myocardial infarction which showed normal coronary artery on coronary angiography. Pheochromocytoma should be suspected and evaluated in patients with acute myocardial infarction whose coronary angiography shows normal coronary without definite thrombosis.