Faculty mentor/PI email address
jim010@aol.com
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
: pheochromocytoma, hyperglycemia, hypertensive crisis, diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, CT imaging in pheochromocytoma
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor that can present with a wide range of nonspecific symptoms, often mimicking more common medical conditions and making early diagnosis difficult. We report the case of a 40-year-old female with a history of hypertension and prediabetes who presented to the emergency department with hyperglycemia following an episode of lightheadedness. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of pheochromocytoma in the emergency department, where initial symptoms may be subtle and easily attributed to more common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or menopause. Recognition of episodic sympathomimetic symptoms and unexplained hypertensive crises should prompt consideration of pheochromocytoma and appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Early identification is critical, as untreated pheochromocytoma carries significant morbidity but is potentially curable with surgical resection.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms
Included in
An Elusive Diagnosis: Pheochromocytoma Presenting with Hyperglycemia and Hypertensive Crisis
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor that can present with a wide range of nonspecific symptoms, often mimicking more common medical conditions and making early diagnosis difficult. We report the case of a 40-year-old female with a history of hypertension and prediabetes who presented to the emergency department with hyperglycemia following an episode of lightheadedness. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of pheochromocytoma in the emergency department, where initial symptoms may be subtle and easily attributed to more common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or menopause. Recognition of episodic sympathomimetic symptoms and unexplained hypertensive crises should prompt consideration of pheochromocytoma and appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Early identification is critical, as untreated pheochromocytoma carries significant morbidity but is potentially curable with surgical resection.