Korean J Med.  1999 Sep;57(3):357-363.

Two cases of pheochromocytoma associated with acute myocardial infarction

• Kim DS
• Kim KR
• Yoon HJ
• Lee HK
• Ryu JC
• Kim DI
• Yang TH

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma was usually derived from adrenal medulla or chromaffin cells in or about sympathetic ganglia, and manifested several symptoms and signs by producing, storing, secreting catecholamine. This tumor frequently presented various symptoms such as paroxysmal or persistent hypertension, headache, sweating, palpitation. EKG abnormalities, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction have been reported in cardiovascular systems. We experienced two cases of pheochromocytoma associated with myocardial infarction Two patients presented typical cardiac enzyme patterns and regional wall motion abnormalities on ehcocardiography which was compatible with acute myocardial infarction. However, these patients showed normal coronary artery on coronary angiograpy. Urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites were elevated and pheochromocytoma was found on right adrenal gland. After the removal of pheochromocytoma, urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolities, regional wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography and blood pressure were normalized.

Keyword

Pheochromocytoma; Myocardial Infarction

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Medulla
Angina Pectoris
Blood Pressure
Cardiomyopathies
Cardiovascular System
Chromaffin Cells
Coronary Vessels
Echocardiography
Electrocardiography
Ganglia, Sympathetic
Headache
Humans
Hypertension
Myocardial Infarction*
Myocarditis
Pheochromocytoma*
Sweat
Sweating