Prolonged hypoglycemia after the resection of pheochromocytoma in a hemodialysis patient

Introduction

Hypoglycemia occasionally develops after the resection of pheochromocytoma due to decreased catecholamine secretion. The unique glucose metabolism in dialysis patients may potentially affect postoperative hypoglycemia, although few reports have focused on this issue.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old woman who had chronic renal failure under hemodialysis was diagnosed with right pheochromocytoma and underwent an adrenalectomy. Three hours after surgery, she experienced symptomatic hypoglycemia, which was repeated until postoperative day 3. Continuous glucose infusion was required until postoperative day 8 and asymptomatic hypoglycemia was repeated until postoperative day 11.

Conclusion

In hemodialysis patients, more careful management of hypoglycemia may be required after the resection of pheochromocytoma compared with non-hemodialysis patients.