Decreased Serum Adiponectin Level during Catecholamine Crisis in an Obese Patient with Pheochromocytoma

We herein report the case of a 37-year-old man with both pheochromocytoma and visceral fat accumulation and describe the sequential changes in his adiponectin levels throughout the clinical course from catecholamine crisis until the follow-up for adrenalectomy. His adiponectin level decreased during catecholamine crisis and increased after adrenalectomy. However, his adiponectin level decreased again at two years postoperatively when his visceral fat area greatly increased. This case suggests that catecholamines and visceral fat volume may affect adiponectin metabolism in subjects with pheochromocytoma, which may precipitate cardiovascular complications in this endocrine disease.