Sudden Onset of Pyrexia and Severe Blood Pressure Elevation Due to IL-6 Production by Pheochromocytoma

Takashi Ando, Satoshi Morim

Abstract

We report a case of pheochromocytoma presenting with a sudden change in clinical manifestation. The change in the serum Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and histological examination indicated that this clinical presentation was caused by IL-6 elevation secondary to pheochromocytoma. This rare tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin, and prompt and appropriate administration of an alpha-1 blocker is highly recommended, especially for patients with large pheochromocytomas.