Flank pain after minor trauma as the initial manifestation of malignant pheochromocytoma; a case report

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor which originates from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla or the sympathetic ganglia. This tumor secrets a high amount of catecholamine and metabolites, causing hypertension crisis with headache, tachycardia, sweating and flushing (classic triad of pheochromocytoma). However, in some cases the disease may cause atypical symptoms or may be asymptomatic. The presented patient is a 34-year-old man who referred to our clinic with left flank pain. He had a history of falling from height. In the primary physical examination, a large mass in the abdominal left upper quadrant was palpated. After diagnostic evaluation malignant pheochromocytoma was detected. The patient was discharged on the fourth day after surgery. Malignant pheochromocytoma can presented with atypical symptoms or can be asymptomatic.

Keywords

• Flank pain
• Pheochromocytoma
• Trauma
• Hypertension