Cerebral ischaemic stroke and bilateral pheochromocytoma

We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with an acute neurological deficit preceded by a 2 month history of headaches. The patient was treated for acute viral encephalitis because of the presence of inflammation. A computed tomography (CT) scan of her brain scan showed a cerebral ischaemic stroke, and paroxysmal arterial hypertension led us to suspect pheochromocytoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by elevated urinary catecholamine and by imaging (abdominal x-ray and abdominal/pelvic CT scan). Bilateral adrenal gland tumours were successfully removed. This report illustrates an uncommon presentation of pheochromocytoma in children and shows the importance of a careful investigation for pheochromocytoma as a cause of hypertension in children with cerebral ischaemic stroke.