[Catecholamine-induced myocarditis in pheochromocytoma]

G Ital Cardiol (Rome). 2017 Feb;18(2):164-168. doi: 10.1714/2663.27302.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor, usually benign, potentially lethal in case of crisis with acute release of catecholamines. The heart is a target and the clinical presentation can mimic various cardiac conditions, thus rendering diagnosis elusive. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of cardiomyopathies; it allows the identification of catecholamine-induced myocarditis pattern and, in some cases, it can detect the primary tumor. The definitive treatment of pheochromocytoma is surgical, while the acute crisis may require mechanical support to circulation. We here report a case of pheochromocytoma in a 25-year-old man complicated by catecholamine-induced myocarditis and heart failure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Catecholamines / adverse effects*
  • Catecholamines / biosynthesis*
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocarditis / chemically induced*
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Catecholamines