A case report on pheochromocytoma mimicking as fulminant myocarditis-a diagnostic challenge

Front Cardiovasc Med. 2024 Mar 27:11:1326608. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1326608. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

We present an exceptional case of a 53-year-old female, initially misdiagnosed with fulminant myocarditis, but later correctly diagnosed with pheochromocytoma. The presentation of the patient included a spectrum of symptoms such as headache, chest discomfort, palpitations, and dyspnea, following the intake of Domperidone. Two weeks prior to admission, the patient had experienced episodes of diarrhea and a low-grade fever. Unresolved symptoms and an unmanageable surge in blood pressure despite comprehensive fulminant myocarditis treatment prompted further investigation. The discovery of an adrenal mass via a CT scan and subsequent biochemical tests led to the confirmation of pheochromocytoma. Implementation of alpha-blockade therapy and a successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy resulted in significant clinical improvement. This case underscores the diagnostic intricacies of pheochromocytoma and highlights the need for vigilance when faced with severe, unresponsive cardiovascular symptoms.

Keywords: Domperidone; alpha-blockade therapy; catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy; fulminant myocarditis; pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.