Hypertension following minor trauma: a rare presentation of pheochromocytoma

Abstract

The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (Pheo) can be challenging due to the variety of potential presentations of this infrequent tumor. A 16-year-old boy presented with hypertension and sudden abdominal pain after minor blunt abdominal trauma. Both computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scanning identified a right suprarenal mass, and raised the possibility of a Pheo. This diagnosis was confirmed through urine catecholamine testing and ¹³¹I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning. An extra-adrenal Pheo was successfully resected. The presentation of Pheos is quite variable, and patients may often be essentially asymptomatic. Pheo should be considered in hypertensive pediatric patients with a history of blunt abdominal trauma.