Understanding Pheochromocytoma Symptoms
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor originating from the adrenal medulla. It excessively produces catecholamines (like adrenaline and noradrenaline), leading to specific clinical signs and symptoms.
Classic Pheochromocytoma Manifestations
The classic symptoms of pheochromocytoma are often episodic and include:
- Hypertension: Episodes of significantly elevated blood pressure are a hallmark.
- Palpitations: A racing or pounding heart sensation.
- Sweating: Excessive perspiration, often occurring during episodes.
- Headaches: Severe, often throbbing headaches.
- Flushing: Episodes of skin redness or flushing, particularly on the face and neck.
Identifying the Exception
The question asks for the symptom *not* consistent with pheochromocytoma. While various symptoms can occur, some are less typical:
- Episodic diarrhea is less commonly associated with pheochromocytoma compared to the other listed symptoms. Diarrhea is more characteristic of other neuroendocrine tumors, such as VIPomas or carcinoid syndrome.
- The other options listed – episodic flushing of skin, episodes of hypertension, and paroxysm, palpitation and sweating – are all well-recognized, classic signs of pheochromocytoma due to excessive catecholamine release.
Therefore, episodic diarrhea is the symptom that is least consistent with pheochromocytoma among the choices provided.
Important Questions from Adrenal Disorders
- Which one of the following is a cause of Secondary Hyperaldosteronism?
Which of the following are correct regarding Cortisol?
1. Levels are highest in the morning on waking.
2. Cortisol falls dramatically during an illness.
3. More than 95% circulating cortisol is protein bound.
4. It is the major glucocorticoid in humans and can also activate mineralocorticoid receptors.
Select the answer using the code given below :
- A 50-year lady, who is a known case of rheumatoid arthritis, presents with obesity, moon facies, abdominal striae and hypertension. Overnight dexamethasone suppression test shows serum cortisol is greater than 50 nmol/L, serum ACTH is less than 1.1 pmol/L. The adrenal imaging and brain CT/MRI imaging studies are unremarkable. The likely diagnosis is
- Hirsutism is seen in which of the following ?
1. Polycystic ovarian syndrome
2. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
3. Hypothyroidism
4. Ovarian tumour
Select the correct answer using the code given below: - A patient presents with circulatory shock, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. A diagnosis of acute adrenal crisis is considered. A blood sample is stored for measurement of serum cortisol and treatment started without delay. Which of the following are appropriate interventions?
1. IV normal saline
2. IV hydrocortisone 100 mg stat
3. IV 10% glucose
4. IV KCl as infusion
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
