Under Pressure for a Diagnosis

A Case Study Review of Pheochromocytoma Genetics

Andrews, Tracy D. DNPc, MSN, CCRN, ACNP, APRN-BC

Columbia University, New York

Tracy D. Andrews, DNPc, MSN, CCRN, ACNP, APRN-BC, Chief Nurse Practitioner/CTICU-SICU, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 W. 168th Street, PH 505-5, New York, NY 10032. E-mail: [email protected]

Clinical Scholars Review: The Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice 1(2):p 95-100, 2008.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare condition that has serious consequences. Although a diagnosis of exclusion, this condition must be considered in patients under the age of 40 with refractory hypertension and a familial history of pheochromocytoma. This article discusses the diagnostic process, including genetic testing, and explores the role of nurse practitioners in evaluating patients who present with symptoms of pheochromocytoma.