Which symptom cluster is classically associated with pheochromocytoma?

Which symptom cluster is classically associated with pheochromocytoma?

• A. Severe headache, sweating, tachycardia, and hypertension
• B. Chronic dry cough and wheeze
• C. Jaundice and pruritus
• D. Weight gain and edema

Answer: (A)

Excess catecholamine release from a pheochromocytoma produces a sympathetic surge that raises blood pressure and drives the classic cluster of symptoms: severe headache, prominent sweating, and a fast heart rate. These occur together because high levels of catecholamines cause vasoconstriction (raising blood pressure), stimulate sweat glands, and increase heart rate, often in episodes. Chronic dry cough and wheeze point more toward airway disease; jaundice and pruritus suggest liver or biliary issues; weight gain with edema is typical of fluid overload conditions like heart or kidney disease. So the combination of severe headache, sweating, tachycardia, with hypertension best aligns with pheochromocytoma.

Excess catecholamine release from a pheochromocytoma produces a sympathetic surge that raises blood pressure and drives the classic cluster of symptoms: severe headache, prominent sweating, and a fast heart rate. These occur together because high levels of catecholamines cause vasoconstriction (raising blood pressure), stimulate sweat glands, and increase heart rate, often in episodes.

Chronic dry cough and wheeze point more toward airway disease; jaundice and pruritus suggest liver or biliary issues; weight gain with edema is typical of fluid overload conditions like heart or kidney disease. So the combination of severe headache, sweating, tachycardia, with hypertension best aligns with pheochromocytoma.