Ischemic colitis: an uncommon manifestation of pheochromocytoma
Szmulowicz, U.M.; Savoie, L.M.
American Surgeon 73(4): 400-403
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1348 PMID: 17439038 Document Number: 611736
Pheochromocytoma are rare neuroectodermal tumors, responsible for less than 1 per cent of cases of hypertension. The protean manifestations of pheochromocytomas arise from the effects of catecholamine hypersecretion upon alpha and beta receptors. The lesion may infrequently present with gastrointestinal complaints ranging from constipation and nausea to megacolon and ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis in association with pheochromocytoma occurs from intense splanchnic vasoconstriction. A case of pheochromocytoma presenting as ischemic colitis is reported.