[Adrenalectomy after snowboard fall. A pheochromocytoma becomes clinically apparent in an unusual way].

A 33-year-old snowboarder fell and underwent radiological examination, which was suspicious for a vertebral body fracture. Accidentally we found a tumour of the left suprarenal gland. Two days after the fall, he developed a hypertensive crisis with peak blood pressure levels up to 280/120 mmHg. Further endocrinologic testing indicated a pheochromocytoma which was confirmed by post-operative histology. The fall is supposed to have activated the pheochromocytoma. The course of examinations and significance of the tumour are described.