The unexpected diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma in the anaesthetic room

Abstract

A 77-year-old man was admitted for aortic valve replacement and combined coronary bypass grafting. Grossly, labile arterial pressures were demonstrated on anesthetic induction prompting cancellation and Intensive Care Unit transfer. Urine analysis identified high normetadrenaline/creatinine ratio, plasma metanephrine, and plasma normetanephrine. A left adrenal lesion on computed tomography scan collectively indicated pheochromocytoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was prioritized at multidisciplinary team before cardiac surgery. Vague symptoms of pheochromocytoma pose a diagnostic problem, being often attributed to common/co-existing pathology. The blood pressure instability on anesthetic required precise control, multidisciplinary input, and awareness of possible diagnosis as a routine intervention for hypotension may have been fatal in view of underlying cardiac pathology.

Keywords

• Aortic valve replacement
• coronary artery disease
• induction of anesthesia
• multi-disciplinary team meeting
• pheochromocytoma
• uncontrolled blood pressure
• unexpected diagnosis