Compromiso retinal y medular en feocromocitoma: un desafío diagnóstico

Julieta Celeste Albornoz; Amelia Pinheiro; Marcelo Chaves

doi:10.70313/2718.7446.v16.n02.233

Authors

Julieta Celeste Albornoz Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Martín, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina
Amelia Pinheiro Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Martín, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina
Marcelo Chaves Servicio de Neurología, Hospital San Martín, Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70313/2718.7446.v16.n02.233

Keywords:

pheochromocytoma, hypertensive retinopathy, macular star, optic disc edema

Abstract

Objective: To present a clinical case of pheochromocytoma with retinal and spinal cord involvement, and to review the relevance of the interdisciplinary approach for its diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical case: A 15-year-old woman consulted for a sudden decrease in visual acuity and headaches of 3 months of evolution. Bilateral papillae edema was observed and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with suspected intracranial hypertension was requested. Hyperintense area at the bulbomedullary junction was detected, complemented with cervical resonance imaging, obtaining findings compatible with demyelinating disease, establishing a probable diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. In his evolution he presented severe arterial hypertension. The case was re-evaluated and observed in background of retinal involvement (bilateral macular star). The picture is reinterpreted as hypertensive retinopathy and secondary causes are sought. In a new interrogation, antecedents compatible with pheochromocytoma were highlighted: “headaches, palpitations and sweating”. Ultrasound and abomen MRI detected lesion and high values of catecholamines were detected in urine and serum confirming the diagnosis. The BP was controlled and two weeks later the tumor was operated and removed.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma can be dificult. An interdisciplinary approach is required to assess the different clinical expressions and also to carry out the corresponding treatment.

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