Pheochromocytoma manifesting as cortical blindness secondary to PRES with associated TMA: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytomas are neoplasms originating from neuroectodermal chromaffin cells leading to excess catecholamine production. They are notorious for causing a triad of headaches, palpitations, and sweats. Though the Menard triad is one to be vigilant of, symptomatic presentation can vary immensely, hence the tumor earning the label “the great masquerader.” CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of pheochromocytoma initially presenting with cortical blindness secondary to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy from malignant hypertension. Our patient was seen in our facility less than a week prior to this manifestation and discharged after an unremarkable coronary ischemia work-up. In the outpatient setting, she had been prescribed multiple anti-hypertensives with remarkably elevated blood pressure throughout her hospitalization history. CONCLUSION: Pheochromocytoma presenting with malignant hypertension and hypertensive encephalopathy should be expected if left untreated; nonetheless, the precipitation of cortical blindness is rare in the literature. This case contributes an additional vignette to the growing literature revolving adrenal tumors and their symptomatic presentation along with complex management. It also serves to promote increased diagnostic suspicion among clinicians upon evaluating patients with refractory hypertension.