In pheochromocytoma, which statement about blood pressure is most accurate?

In pheochromocytoma, which statement about blood pressure is most accurate?

• A. Hypertension is associated with pheochromocytoma.
• B. Hypotension is the hallmark feature.
• C. Normal blood pressure is typical.
• D. Blood pressure is variable but not clinically significant.

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma causes an overproduction of catecholamines, which triggers powerful vasoconstriction and increases heart rate and contractility. This combination drives elevated blood pressure, and the hypertension can be persistent or occur in episodic bursts. That is why the statement about hypertension being associated with pheochromocytoma is the most accurate. Hypotension is not the hallmark feature; while blood pressure can fluctuate, the hallmark and most clinically significant pattern is high blood pressure, not low. Normal blood pressure between episodes is not typical, though readings may temporarily appear closer to normal during quiescent periods. The key concept is that excess catecholamines lead to hypertension, often with episodic surges, which drives the clinical concern and management.

Pheochromocytoma causes an overproduction of catecholamines, which triggers powerful vasoconstriction and increases heart rate and contractility. This combination drives elevated blood pressure, and the hypertension can be persistent or occur in episodic bursts. That is why the statement about hypertension being associated with pheochromocytoma is the most accurate.

Hypotension is not the hallmark feature; while blood pressure can fluctuate, the hallmark and most clinically significant pattern is high blood pressure, not low. Normal blood pressure between episodes is not typical, though readings may temporarily appear closer to normal during quiescent periods. The key concept is that excess catecholamines lead to hypertension, often with episodic surges, which drives the clinical concern and management.