Macular star: an unusual sign of pheochromocytoma

Abstract

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumour that produces catecholamines and other neuropeptides, originating in the adrenal gland medulla. The majority of cases are sporadic, but could be associated with genetic syndromes. Case Presentation: Here we report a 37-year-old female with a history of recent onset diabetes mellitus and hypertension who presented to an ophthalmologist with blurred vision and headache. On slit lamp examination she was found to have bilateral optic disc oedema and macular star. On further evaluation by medical team she was diagnosed to have phaeochromocytoma based on hormonal and radiological assessment. She underwent surgical resection of the tumor after the medical intervention. Discussion: Pheochromocytoma usually presents as a classical triad of symptoms which includes headache, sweating and tachycardia. However, there are other presentations of pheochromocytoma namely hypertension, hyperthermia and cardiomyopathy.

Keywords

• arterial hypertension
• pheochromocytoma
• catecholamines
• optic disc oedema
• macular star