Hypertensive crisis inducing rhabdomyolysis during laparoscopic resection of a large pheochromocytoma: a case report

Intense vasospasm during hypertensive crisis as a cause for rhabdomyolysis has been described in ambulatory patients with pheochromocytoma. We report this phenomenon as an intraoperative complication in a patient during laparoscopic pheochromocytoma resection and discuss patient and procedure related risk factors. Unexplained intraoperative hyperkalemia following a severe hypertensive episode during surgery may be a first sign of rhabdomyolysis. Anesthesiologists should be aware of such a possibility. Intra- and postoperative serial electrolyte determinations and if suspected, timely screening for myoglobiuria, may aid in early detection and treatment of intraoperative rhabdomyolysis during pheochromocytoma resections.