Cardiogenic shock due to pheochromocytoma rescued by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

This is the case of a 49-year-old female presenting in sustained cardiogenic shock due to an adrenal pheochromocytoma. She was rescued by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The presence of a catecholamine-secreting tumor was confirmed by highly elevated plasma metanephrines and catecholamines. Successful open adrenalectomy was performed under protective extracorporeal life support and full anticoagulation early after cardiogenic shock. The patient could be weaned off mechanical support rapidly and made a full cardiopulmonary recovery.