A case of hypertension requiring differentiation from pheochromocytoma during treatment with duloxetine

Abstract

Some antidepressants can cause drug-induced hypertension associated with elevated catecholamines in the blood. We report a case of hypertension during treatment with duloxetine, a serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor, which required differentiation from pheochromocytoma. Case: A 57-year-old man had been taking duloxetine for CRPS. Hypertension was noted. Urine catecholamine level was high. CT scan showed a 1-cm mass in the adrenal gland, which was suspected to be a pheochromocytoma. Other imaging tests were negative. The possibility of increased catecholamine levels due to the inhibitory effect of duloxetine on noradrenaline reuptake was considered. Conclusion: In this case, a small mass was noted in the adrenal gland, and it was necessary to differentiate pheochromocytoma as a cause of hypertension.