PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA WITH ADULT-RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS-SYNDROME MIMICKING SEPTICEMIC SHOCK

Phaeochromocytomas are rare tumours that most commonly present with ch ronic sustained hypertension and hypertensive paroxysms or crises. We report a 49-year-old woman with unsuspected phaeochromocytoma who pres ented with sudden onset of profound hypotension and adult respiratory distress syndrome unresponsive to fluid and inotropic support. This ca se illustrates the diversity of presentations of phaeochromocytoma, de pending on the type and amount of catecholamines secreted.