Hypertensive Crisis Management Algorithm for PPGL
STEP 1 — Gather Information
Collect vital signs (BP, HR), symptoms (headache, palpitations, sweating), medication history, recent triggers (e.g., procedure, stress, tyramine‑rich foods), and confirm IV access. Action: if suspicion of PPGL hypertensive crisis is present, proceed to Step 2.
STEP 2 — Rule In / Rule Out
Rule in PPGL hypertensive crisis if any of the following are present: 'Patient presents with hypertensive crisis suspected PPGL etiology,' 'Sudden severe hypertension with headache/palpitations,' or 'Intraoperative hypertensive surge during PPGL manipulation.' If ruled in, proceed to Step 3; otherwise, manage as non‑PPGL hypertensive crisis per local protocol and end algorithm.
STEP 3 — Classify or Stratify
Classify patient into two dimensions: (1) tachycardia (HR ≥ 100 bpm) after starting IV phentolamine, and (2) acute phase resolution (SBP < 160 mmHg and DBP < 100 mmHg with symptom improvement). Action: based on classification, go to Step 4.
STEP 4 — Decide
If tachycardia is present, administer oral beta‑blocker (e.g., propranolol 10‑20 mg) after ensuring adequate alpha‑blockade; if acute phase has resolved, discontinue IV phentolamine and start oral doxazosin 2‑4 mg daily, titrating to target BP <130/80 mmHg. Continue monitoring and adjust as needed.
Clinical Guardrails / Mimics / Pitfalls
Do not administer beta‑blocker before alpha‑blockade (risk of hypertensive attack); avoid high‑dose dexamethasone; monitor for severe hypotension from phentolamine; do not use unavailable non‑selective alpha‑blockers (e.g., phenoxybenzamine); avoid abrupt cessation of phentolamine without transition to oral alpha‑blocker.
Concrete Clinical Example
A 45‑year‑old man undergoing adrenalectomy for suspected PPGL develops sudden BP 210/120 mmHg, headache, and palpitations during tumor manipulation. IV phentolamine is started at 5 mg/hr; BP falls to 150/90 mmHg within 30 min, HR rises to 110 bpm. Oral propranolol 10 mg is given, HR improves to 85 bpm. After 2 hours, BP stabilizes at 130/80 mmHg and symptoms resolve; IV phentolamine is discontinued and oral doxazosin 4 mg nightly is initiated.
Source: Japan Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma 2025, Japan Endocrine Society, 2025, DOI:10.1507/endocrj.EJ25-0165