A Case Report of Pheochromocytoma Managed at Federal Medical Centre, Owo. Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Pheochromocytoma is a very rare tumour of the sympathetic nervous system. It accounts for less than 1 in 1000 cases of hypertension. Objectives: To emphasis the need for high index of suspicion and possibility of cure in patient with secondary hypertension like pheochromocytoma. Case Report: A 26 years old lady hypertensive was referred to our facility from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Ondo state, Nigeria. She presented with 13 years history of recurrent headache, excessive sweating, tremor and palpitation. She has a positive family history of hypertension in both parents and also her elder sister. Examination revealed heart rate of 106beats /minute and blood pressure 160/110mmHg sitting and 150/100mmHg standing, JVP not elevated and heart sounds were S1 and S2 only. Other systems were essentially normal. Assessment of severe hypertension was made with suspicion of secondary hypertension most likely pheochromocytoma. Blood pressure was controlled with atenolol and prazocin. Diagnosis was confirmed by markedly elevated 24hours urinary norepinephrine and dopamine and catecholamines metabolites. Abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging all revealed right adrenal tumour. Patient had successful resection of right adrenal gland done and weaned from antihypertensive over 3months. She has been normotensive for 8years on follow up. Conclusion: A high index of clinical suspicion, an unrelenting effort at diagnosis through adequate investigations and prompt intervention are indispensable tools in successfully managing patient