Which trio best defines the classic triad of pheochromocytoma?

Which trio best defines the classic triad of pheochromocytoma?

• A. Headache, dizziness, fatigue
• B. Episodic headache, sweating, tachycardia
• C. Nausea, vomiting, palpitations
• D. Chest pain, dyspnea, sweating

Answer: (B)

The classic triad of pheochromocytoma is defined by episodic headache, sweating, and tachycardia. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excess catecholamines, leading to these hallmark symptoms. Episodic headaches are due to increased blood pressure and catecholamine release during episodes of catecholamine excess. Sweating occurs as a result of the fight-or-flight response triggered by these hormones. Tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat, is another crucial symptom stemming from elevated catecholamine levels, which stimulate the heart and increase cardiac output. This trio of symptoms effectively characterizes the paroxysmal episodes associated with pheochromocytoma, distinguishing it from other conditions that may present with different symptom combinations. For example, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations might indicate other medical issues but do not encompass the classic triad. Similarly, chest pain and dyspnea could be related to cardiovascular complications rather than the specific hormonal deregulation seen in pheochromocytoma. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essential features of this condition's presentation.

The classic triad of pheochromocytoma is defined by episodic headache, sweating, and tachycardia. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces excess catecholamines, leading to these hallmark symptoms.

Episodic headaches are due to increased blood pressure and catecholamine release during episodes of catecholamine excess. Sweating occurs as a result of the fight-or-flight response triggered by these hormones. Tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat, is another crucial symptom stemming from elevated catecholamine levels, which stimulate the heart and increase cardiac output.

This trio of symptoms effectively characterizes the paroxysmal episodes associated with pheochromocytoma, distinguishing it from other conditions that may present with different symptom combinations. For example, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations might indicate other medical issues but do not encompass the classic triad. Similarly, chest pain and dyspnea could be related to cardiovascular complications rather than the specific hormonal deregulation seen in pheochromocytoma. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essential features of this condition's presentation.