Reversible catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy due to pheochromocytoma: case report

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor originating from chromaffin tissue. It commonly presents with symptoms and signs of catecholamine excess, such as hypertension, tachycardia, headache and sweating. Cardiovascular manifestations include catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, which may present as severe left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure. We report a case of pheochromocytoma which was diagnosed following investigation of dilated cardiomyopathy. We highlight the dramatic symptomatic improvement and reversal of cardiomyopathy, with recovery of left ventricular function after treatment.

Keywords: Cardiomyopathy; Catecholamines; Catecolaminas; Feocromocitoma; Heart failure; Insuficiência cardíaca; Miocardiopatia; Pheochromocytoma.