6695 When Pheochromocytoma Presents As Acute Renal Failure, With Complete Resolution, A Case Report
Authors: Siddiqui Usman A , Deyar Dylan , Bondarenko Darya , Ahmad Mobeen , Kochersperger Lessard Kimberly 
Published: October 2024

Disclosure: U.A. Siddiqui: None. D. Deyar: None. D. Bondarenko: None. M. Ahmad: None. K.K. Lessard: None.

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL), are rare neuroendocrine tumors (0.66/ 100,000 cases), often characterized by paroxysmal hypertension and associated symptoms. While cardiac complications have been well-documented in the literature, there is limited information regarding acute renal failure. We explore a unique case of pheochromocytoma presenting initially with hypertensive crisis, but also with an unexpected journey into acute renal failure and subsequent recovery. 62-year-old hispanic male without known past medical history presents to the emergency department with chest pain, epigastric pain, dyspnea, and emesis. He was tachypneic, febrile (101°F), hypoxic (83% on room air), and profoundly hypertensive (188/112 mmHg). CT scan showed pneumonia as well as a 7cm complex mass within the left adrenal gland. Admitting labs showed metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury (Cr 2.52mg/dL) and elevated troponins. Echocardiogram showed a reduced ejection fraction 45-50% and coronary angiography showed mild nonocclusive coronary artery disease. MRI visualized a solid left adrenal mass measuring 6.8cm with enhanced, mixed T1/T2 signaling and drop out inconsistent with adenoma. Adrenal labs revealed ACTH 125 pg/mL (9-46 pg/mL) and cortisol 27mcg/dL free metanephrine (MN) 1,422 pg/mL (&lt;57 pg/mL), and free normetanephrine (NMN) &gt;20,000 pg/mL (&lt;148 pg/mL), total free MN + NMN &gt;40,000 pg/mL (&lt;205 pg/mL). Preoperative MIBG scan showed increased tracer activity of the left adrenal consistent with pheochromocytoma. Alpha blockade was performed using doxazosin and carvedilol was continued. Unfortunately, he developed oliguria and rising creatinine ( 7.4mg/DL). Kidney biopsy showed findings of acute tubular necrosis and mild fibrosis. Hemodialysis was initiated, receiving 12 sessions prior to undergoing open left adrenalectomy with mass resection on day 22 of admission. Post-operative blood pressure was managed with volume re-expansion and tapering of alpha blocker. Within 72 hours, renal function fully recovered and dialysis was discontinued. Follow up metanephrines are within normal limits and genetic testing results remain pending. Cases of acute renal failure and PPGL are scarce, and this case report contributes to the topic. Mortality in p is usually due to cardiovascular complications such as stroke, cardiomyopathy, and dysrhythmia [2]. Renal complications result from hypertensive nephrosclerosis or nephrotic syndrome. To date, only one case report from 1961 exists on acute tubular necrosis and PPGL [3]. We present an interesting case of pheochromocytoma complicated by hypertensive crisis and acute renal failure requiring dialysis. Resection of the pheochromocytoma normalized renal function. This demonstrates the importance of timely resection of the tumor and meticulous blood pressure management to ensure optimal outcomes.

Presentation: 6/2/2024