Two patients with pheochromocytoma initially presented with behavioral symptoms similar to those seen with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, and poor school performance. One patient was treated
with dextroamphetamine/amphetamine for 4 months, at which time medication was discontinued when hypertension appeared. The
second patient had hypertension when initially seen. All behavioral abnormalities resolved following tumor resection. Children
with ADHD-like symptoms who present atypically at an older age or have other somatic signs and symptoms such as headaches
and hypertension should undergo evaluation to rule out an organic etiology.
Keywords Pheochromocytoma - ADHD - Hypertension - Behavioral - Ritalin