Pheochromocytoma: A rare cause of abdominal pain identified in a family medicine outpatient department setting.
case_report · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41403485.
- Also identified by DOI 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1469_24 and PMC identifier 12704978.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-SA.
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Abstract
Abdominal pain is a frequent complaint in primary care, but rarely due to pheochromocytoma. A 23-year-old male farmer presented with right lumbar pain for 3 months, unintentional weight loss of 10 kg, and a nonproductive cough for 1 month. Initial evaluation revealed anemia and right-sided pleural effusion. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated a large heterogeneous right suprarenal mass with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and pleural deposits, suggestive of malignant pheochromocytoma. The patient was referred to endocrinology for further management. This case highlights the importance of family physicians in recognizing red flags such as chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms, and ensuring early referral. Strengthening family medicine services can facilitate timely diagnosis of serious illnesses, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.