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Ryu, Joung, Kim, and Jung: A Case of Pheochromocytoma that Initially Presented as Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage

Abstract

A pheochromocytoma is a neuroectodermal tumor that originates from the chromaffin cells of the sympathetic system. Typical symptoms or signs are periodic attacks of paroxysmal hypertension, spell, palpitation, headache and sweating. However, the clinical presentation is quite variable. Therefore, an atypical clinical presentation sometimes makes a diagnosis difficult. Hemoptysis as a presenting symptom is very rare in pheochromocytoma. We recently experienced a patient with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage due to pheochromocytoma. A chest PA showed diffuse consolidation and ground glass opacities in both lungs. A chest CT showed diffuse consolidation and ground glass opacities in the central, middle and lower portion predominance of the lungs, sparing the costophrenic angles and apices of the lungs. In Korea, a case of pheochromocytoma that presented initially as massive hemoptysis due to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage has not been previously reported. We report the case with a review of the literature.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
(A) Chest PA shows ground glass opacities and consolidation (short arrow) in the central, mid/lower lung predominance, sparing costophernic angles and apices (long arrow) in the both lungs with hypertensive heart configuration. (B) Follow up Chest PA show complete disappearance of the infiltration at both lung field.
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Figure 2
HRCT shows multifocal patchy consolidation (arrow head) with surrounding ground glass opacities in the central distribution of the both upper lobes and lower lobes.
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Figure 3
Contrast-enhanced CT shows 6.5×7 cm sized round mass (arrow) with calcification and necrosis in the left adrenal gland, showing with moderate enhancement displacing left kidney posteriorly.
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Figure 4
Iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy shows increased uptake (arrow) in the left adrenal gland area.
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