Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) are catecholamine-secreting tumors causing paroxysmal or sustained severe hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, headache, sweating, and palpitations. Surges can trigger a hypertensive crisis — and a PPGL crisis is hemodynamically labile, able to swing from severe hypertension to sudden hypotension/shock — especially with stress, pain, or adrenergic/sympathomimetic drugs. Dental relevance: (1) avoid epinephrine/vasoconstrictors in untreated or suspected PPGL — treat as contraindicated until definitively treated; (2) stress and pain trigger endogenous catecholamine release → crisis risk; (3) labile hemodynamics make sedation/anesthesia high-stakes; (4) a beta-blocker given before alpha-blockade is dangerous (unopposed alpha → crisis).
The full condition entry includes
- Safe vs avoid lists: antibiotics, analgesics, local anesthetics
- Vasoconstrictor limits and treatment modifications
- Pre/intra/post-op monitoring and deferral criteria
- Emergency management, explained for study
More medical conditions in dentistry
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.