Catastrophic catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy mimicking acute myocardial infarction, rescued by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a rare disorder and functioning tumor composed of chromaffin cells that secrete catecholamines. Patients with a pheochromocytoma 'crisis' have a high mortality in spite of aggressive therapy. We present a case with a severe acute catecholamine cardiomyopathy presenting ST segment elevation with cardiogenic shock after hemorrhage into a left suprarenal tumor. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support, combined with inotropic therapy, was performed. However, the patient deteriorated rapidly and was unresponsive to a full dose of inotropics and IABP. We decided to apply extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device for the patient. His clinical state began to improve 3 days after ECMO. After achieving hemodynamic stabilization, he underwent successful laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. He needed no further cardiac medication after discharge.