Pheochromocytoma Crisis Induced by Saralasin

Abstract

Saralasin (1-sar, 8-ala, angiotensin II), a specific vascular smooth-muscle antagonist of the pressor effect of angiotensin II,^{1 , 2} has been reported to offer a safe and effective means of detecting angiotensin-mediated hypertension when given by continuous infusion^{2 , 3} or by intravenous bolus injection.⁴ The pressor crisis induced by saralasin in a patient with pheochromocytoma and neurofibromatosis described below underscores certain cautions and provides fundamental information concerning possible receptor-stimulating actions in addition to the angiotensin II vascular receptor inhibition produced by this agent.Case ReportA 50-year-old man had widespread multiple neurofibromas, which had been enlarging for the past three years. He was . . .