Symptoms of pheochromocytoma
The most common finding is hypertension, which occurs in more than 90% of patients but it is paroxysmal in 25% to 33% of cases.
Hypertension is often accompanied (especially in paroxysmal hypertension) by tachycardia, headache, tremor, sweating, and pupillary dilatation. Orthostatic hypotension may occur from decreased sympathetic reflexes, after downregulation of adrenergic receptors.
Weight loss may result from chronic hypermetabolism. Hyperglycemia may occur as a consequence of the inhibitory effects of catecholamines on pancreatic beta cells.
