Phaeochromocytoma-induced myocarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction.

A 44-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of chest pain, headache and nausea. Physical examination was remarkable for mild hypotension and tachycardia. ECG demonstrated sinus tachycardia with poor R wave progression in precordial leads and T wave inversion in leads V1-3. Cardiac enzymes were raised. Echocardiographic examination revealed normal cavity diameters with basal and mid left ventricular hypokinesia and an ejection fraction of 45%. A diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was made. A few orthostatic hypotensive attacks occurred at follow-up. A coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries. Within a few days, the echocardiographic findings, ECG and all cardiac markers had returned to normal. Two months later she presented with headache, palpitation, fever, neck swelling, flushing and hypertensive attacks. Phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed on the basis of increased metanephrine on urinalysis and a left suprarenal mass on CT scan.