Search

Objective: Rare disease Background: Pheochromocytomas, rare tumors arising from the adrenal medulla, can present with highly variable symptoms; therefore, pheochromocytomas frequently remain undiagnosed, leaving the potential for physiological complications. Acutely, these complications include pheochromocytoma crisis, in which high levels of catecholamines are released and cause a life-threatening hypertensive emergency. Over time, undiagnosed pheochromocytomas can lead to cardiovascular damage and end-organ disease related to chronic exposure to elevated blood pressure. Case Report: We share a case of pheochromocytoma in a 45-year-old woman who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms of intractable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed an adrenal mass that had radiographic features that were most consistent with myelolipoma. Before exposing the patient to anesthesia and endoscopy for further diagnostic workup of her gastrointestinal symptoms, which can trigger a catecholamine surge in individuals with a pheochromocytoma, further biochemical testing was performed. Testing of plasma and urine confirmed pheochromocytoma, and surgical resection was performed for definitive treatment. Ultimately, the patient had resolution of her symptoms following the removal of the tumor. Conclusions: The resolution of symptoms following surgical resection suggests that symptoms may have been related to the mass effect of the tumor or as an atypical manifestation of increased catecholamine levels. Additionally, by screening for pheochromocytoma, the patient was able to avoid potential complications that can result from common gastroenterological diagnostic procedures. This case report highlights the potential benefit for screening for pheochromocytoma when faced with symptoms that may be non-specific or related to mass effect upon surrounding organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To further understand specific risk factors for the development of postpartum depression (PPD) amongst mothers of infants with common otolaryngologic diagnoses. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed to screen for PPD in mothers of infants presenting to the pediatric otolaryngology clinic. After obtaining consent for inclusion, subjects were administered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which was completed during the visit. The primary outcome measure was the rate of positive screening, with additional data obtained to include demographic and diagnostic information. Results: The overall rate for positive PPD screening in included subjects was 18.8%. An increased rate of positive PPD screening was demonstrated amongst the subgroups of frequent noisy breathing (25%) and lip tie (26.7%). Conclusion: This study provides additional insight into risk factors for the development of PPD. This highlights the potential benefit of increased screening within the population of mothers presenting to the pediatric otolaryngologic clinic, which could improve long‐term health outcomes for both mother and child. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:973–976, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]