Pheochromocytoma presenting as rhabdomyolysis and acute myoglobinuric renal failure

Arch Intern Med. 1990 Nov;150(11):2384-5.

Abstract

We report the case of a previously healthy young woman who presented with the sudden onset of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure, requiring hemodialysis for 3 weeks. Common causes of rhabdomyolysis were ruled out; as renal function returned, severe hypertension was noted and a pheochromocytoma was diagnosed. We suggest that pheochromocytoma causes rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria via catecholamine-mediated vasoconstriction and skeletal muscle ischemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Renal / etiology
  • Myoglobinuria / etiology
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology*