Endocrinology & MetabolicPending review

Phaeochromocytoma

A catecholamine-secreting tumour of the adrenal medulla that releases adrenaline and noradrenaline in unpredictable surges, producing the classic paroxysmal triad of headache, palpitations and sweating alongside episodic, sometimes crisis-level, hypertension.

In a nutshell

A catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cell tumour causing episodic surges of adrenaline/noradrenaline: paroxysmal headache, palpitations and sweating with hypertension. Diagnosis rests on plasma or urinary metanephrines before imaging. Alpha-blockade must always precede beta-blockade to avoid a hypertensive crisis.

Classic presentation

Episodic attacks of headache, palpitations, sweating and pallor with severe hypertension, sometimes provoked by abdominal palpation or exertion, in a patient who may be well between episodes.

Key points

The classic triad (episodic headache, palpitations and sweating) follows directly from catecholamine effects on vasculature, heart rate and sweat glands.

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Educational content pending clinical review. Not medical advice.