Pheochromocytoma associated ventricular tachycardia blocked with atenolol

J Endocrinol Invest. 1990 Dec;13(11):943-7. doi: 10.1007/BF03349666.

Abstract

Ventricular tachycardia in patients with phenochromocytoma is rare. We report a patient with a norepinephrine-secreting extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma who had exercise induced ventricular tachycardia. Prior to diagnosis, the patient was treated with a selective beta 1 blocker, atenolol, which resulted in suppression of the dysrhythmia and amelioration of the hypertension. This is the first reported case of selective beta blockade suppressing ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a pheochromocytoma. Electrocardiographic abnormalities described in patients with pheochromocytoma are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adult
  • Atenolol / therapeutic use*
  • Dopamine / blood
  • Electrocardiography
  • Epinephrine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Male
  • Norepinephrine / blood
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Tachycardia / drug therapy
  • Tachycardia / etiology*
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology
  • Vanilmandelic Acid / urine

Substances

  • Atenolol
  • Vanilmandelic Acid
  • Dopamine
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine