Work

Beyond Hypertension: Hypoglycemia as an Atypical Presentation of Pheochromocytoma in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal tumor characterized by catecholamine hypersecretion. It can occur sporadically or as part of hereditary disorders, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) and, less commonly, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Pheochromocytoma can cause metabolic disturbances, including impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. However, hypoglycemia is typically a postoperative complication rather than an initial presentation. We reported an unusual presentation of pheochromocytoma with persistent hypoglycemia in a patient with NF1. A 27-year-old normotensive woman with a past medical history of NF1 experienced a sudden episode of dizziness and presyncope while she was driving, causing a motor vehicle accident. She was found with persistent hypoglycemia, and her imaging revealed a right adrenal mass. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed through biochemical testing, which revealed significantly elevated serum metanephrines and normetanephrine levels. Our case shows that hereditary pheochromocytoma associated with NF1 can present with persistent hypoglycemia.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82216

Authors: Zeinab Alnahas, Anas Kartoumah, Talal Alomar, Kareem Suleiman, Mohamad Horani

Institutions: Cairo University, University of South Florida, Creighton University

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409405790