Although the spontaneous rupture of a pheochromocytoma is rare, it can be fatal if not promptly diagnosed. Hemorrhagic necrosis of the tumor will require an emergency operation, as this causes intraperitoneal hemorrhaging. Excessive vasoconstriction, tachycardia and labile blood pressure are the signs of a ruptured pheochromocytoma. The standard diagnostic tool of such a condition is an abdominal computed tomographic scan. Although the exact mechanism of the rupture is still unknown, a hemorrhage inside the tumor or a high intra-cortical pressure, due to rapid growth of the tumor, is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis. Herein is reported the case of a 53-year old male patient with a pheochromocytoma and an acute abdomen. The CT scan showed a left adrenal gland mass, with a hemorrhage in the left perirenal space. The patient underwent an emergency adrenalectomy, with the final histopathological diagnosis being that of a pheochromocytoma. Prompt recognition and early surgical intervention can improve outcome.