Giant Right-Sided Pheochromocytoma Presenting with Hypertensive Crisis After Renal Biopsy: A Case Report
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Abstract
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor that can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular complications when undiagnosed. This report describes the case of a 71-year-old male with no significant prior medical history, who developed progressive fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, headache, tinnitus, and visual disturbances over the course of several weeks. Initial evaluations suggested urinary and gastrointestinal infections, but multiple empirical treatments failed to yield improvement. A renal biopsy was performed due to persistent renal abnormalities. Shortly after the procedure, the patient developed a hypertensive crisis along with acute kidney injury and generalized edema. Further imaging and biochemical testing revealed a giant right-sided pheochromocytoma. Management included intensive supportive care and pharmacologic alpha-blockade. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing pheochromocytoma in patients with unexplained systemic symptoms and highlights the potential risk of invasive procedures in undiagnosed cases.
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