The following is a summary of “Catecholamine-induced hypertensive crises: current insights and management,” published in the December 2023 issue of Endocrinology by Nazari, et al.

Catecholamines are released by pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), which may result in catecholamine-induced hypertensive (CIH) crises. These crises are characterized by blood pressure greater than or equal to 180/120 mm Hg. CIH crises may be made more difficult by tachyarrhythmias, hypotension, or damage to the target organ that poses a danger to the patient’s life. Although therapy is not yet established, endocrinologists and cardiologists often need to work together to manage the condition. 

Furthermore, the biochemical diagnosis of a PPGL as a cause of a CIH crisis might be challenging to recognize or complicated by concomitant diseases, which makes it possible for a mistake to occur. For a study, researchers sought to guide the diagnosis and treatment of CIH crises by combining relevant data, 60 years of cumulative clinical experience, insights generated from evaluating over 2,600 patients with PPGL, and supplemental outcomes from 100 patients who were treated at the National Institutes of Health as a result of a CIH crisis. 

In recognition of the fact that there are differences in the availability, cost, and familiarity of different agents, flexible techniques that allow for adaptation have been established, taking into account the availability of the institution and the choice of the provider. A CIH crisis and its sequelae are easily treated with medications that are widely accessible, and successful management defines a path for minimizing the morbidity and death that are consequently experienced by patients who have PPGL who are experiencing the crisis.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213858723002565