Abstract
Background: The catecholamine-induced hypertensive crisis is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by excessive catecholamine release, often resulting in cardiogenic shock and multiorgan failure. Management is challenging, especially when hemodynamic instability persists despite standard medical therapy. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of published articles between 2013 and 2025. The search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed, Scholar and Embase). We also presented a case managed at our reference center. Results: Overall, 42 studies including 69 patients were included. ECMO was the most commonly used modality, often serving as a bridge to surgery. The overall hospital mortality rate was 17.4%. Timing of adrenalectomy varied, with no clear consensus on the optimal approach. We report also a case of a 43-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 who developed acute cardiogenic shock due to an adrenal paraganglioma. She was supported with ECMO and underwent emergency bowel resection for intestinal ischemia, followed by adrenalectomy. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient died from progressive multiorgan failure. Conclusions: This case highlights the complexity of managing paraganglioma crisis, the potential role of ECMO as a bridge to surgery, and the importance of individualized, multidisciplinary care. Early recognition and referral to specialized centers are essential, though further studies are needed to guide optimal management strategies.