Bladder Pheochromocytoma Presented as Thunderclap Headache Triggered by Urination and Angina Pectoris

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor characterized by hypertension, headache, tachycardia, excessive diaphoresis, and angina pectoris. The thunderclap headache is so named because the pain strikes suddenly and severely. Although the symptoms of bladder pheochromocytoma are rather evident, the diagnosis of this rare neuroendocrine tumor can be missed. This study reports the case of a woman diagnosed with bladder pheochromocytoma who experienced thunderclap headache triggered by urination and angina pectoris as an initial manifestation. This case study suggests that thunderclap headache and angina pectoris occurring concurrently with sudden blood pressure elevation during or immediately after urination are important diagnostic clues of bladder pheochromocytoma.

Keywords

• angina pectoris
• pheochromocytoma
• thunderclap headache
• urination