Catecholamine Cardiomyopathy: An Autopsy Study

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma, an uncommon intra-abdominal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, is associated with episodic hypertension. Cardiac complications infrequently occur as the principal presenting symptoms and may account for the morbidity and mortality. The role of catecholamines, mainly noradrenaline, in ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction is well documented. This report documents two autopsy cases, one of adrenal pheochromocytoma and the other of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma, with manifestations primarily of cardiac etiology. The changes described indicate catecholamine cardiomyopathy.