Recurrent near-syncope with flushing.

Abstract

Episodic vasomotor instability with flushing is an uncommon presentation that is suggestive of an endocrine etiology. This report is the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented to the ED 5 times in a 2-week period for recurrent, self-limited episodes of light-headedness associated with tachycardia, hypertension, and flushing. The patient's diagnosis eluded detection in both the outpatient and the inpatient settings for several months. The clinical diagnosis was ultimately confirmed by biochemical test samples obtained in the ED during a subsequent symptomatic event. The differential diagnosis of this patient's presentation includes pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, medullary thyroid carcinoma, systemic mastocytosis, and other endocrine and toxicologic diseases. ED management of the patient with transient yet significant vasomotor changes includes a workup for syncope, initiation of focused biochemical investigations, referral to the appropriate consultant, and consideration for admission.