Ruptured phaeochromocytoma—a lesson in acute abdomen

MKY Chan, HW Tse, FPT Mok
Department of Surgery, Caritas Medical Centre, 111 Wing Hong Street, Shamshuipo, Hong Kong

Phaeochromocytoma may present as acute abdomen. This report is of a patient with spontaneous rupture of phaeochromocytoma who presented with abdominal pain and a tender abdominal mass. Ruptured phaeochromocytoma is a rare surgical emergency, with only 30 cases reported in the literature. The classical clinical triad of signs is intense vasoconstriction, tachycardia, and labile blood pressure. Computed tomography scanning of
the abdomen is the investigation of choice, and a high index of suspicion is the key to diagnosis. Prompt recognition, appropriate supportive measures, and early surgical intervention can improve the likelihood of survival.

Hong Kong Med J 2003;9:221-3

Key words: Abdomen, acute; Pheochromocytoma