Overview
Clinical Meaning
Pheochromocytoma crisis is a life threatening catecholamine surge from an adrenal medullary tumor (or extra adrenal paraganglioma) releasing massive quantities of epinephrine, n...
WHNP
WHNP
Pheochromocytoma crisis is a life-threatening catecholamine surge from an adrenal medullary tumor (or extra-adrenal paraganglioma) releasing massive quantities of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine. The catecholamine flood activates alpha-1 receptors (severe peripheral vasoconstriction causing hypertensive emergency with SBP >250 mmHg), beta-1 receptors (tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased contractility), and beta-2 receptors (hyperglycemia, hypokalemia). Crisis can be triggered by tumor manipulation during surgery, anesthesia induction, tyramine-containing foods, medications (metoclopramide, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, corticosteroids), or may occur spontaneously. Uncontrolled hypertension can cause hypertensive encephalopathy, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, or flash pulmonary edema. The defining management principle is that ALPHA-blockade must be established BEFORE beta-blockade — giving a beta-blocker first removes beta-2-mediated vasodilation, causing unopposed alpha-mediated vasoconstriction and potentially fatal hypertensive crisis.
Unlock full lesson + practice questions
4 more sections with scenarios, priorities, and review drills.
Next study step
Finish the lesson first, then choose a focused activity to apply what you just reviewed.
Continue studying
Sign in to save progress on this lesson.
Unlock the interactive lesson quiz with a plan that includes this WHNP pathway. You can still explore topic-filtered questions from the bank hubs below.