Background: Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor of neuroendocrine origin. It has a prevalence of <1% in adults with hypertension. In some cases, hypertension is associated with the classical triad of headache, sweating, and tachycardia. Cardiogenic shock due to stress-induced cardiomyopathy caused by catecholamine excess may rarely be the initial symptom of pheochromocytoma, mimicking Takotsubo Syndrome.
Methods: We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS) in the early postoperative period after thyroidectomy.
Results: PICS is caused by a catecholamine storm, which induces myocardial stress and cardiac dysfunction. In such cases, early management with mechanical circulatory assistance may be promptly considered, given the increased risk of mortality.
Conclusion: PICS is a rare and serious condition. Prompt diagnosis and adequate resuscitation measures are necessary to avoid high mortality.
Keywords: Pheochromocytoma; Takotsubo syndrome; cardiogenic shock; hypertension.