Pheochromocytoma presenting as diabetes insipidus.

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine producing tumors that classically present with the triad of sweating, palpitations and headache. CASE CHARACTERISTICS: 9-year-old boy whose only presenting complaints were polyuria and polydipsia for 2 years. OBSERVATION: Routine measurement of blood pressure detected mild hypertension, and subsequent investigations revealed bilateral pheochromocytoma. OUTCOME: Surgical removal of the tumors resulted in complete resolution of polyuria and polydipsia. MESSAGE: The case highlights the importance of measuring BP for children as part of physical examination.