Hypertensive derailment in marital crisis

: A 34-year-old man was admitted because of headache with neck pain, hypertension and tachycardia. The symptoms started 10 days prior to presentation. In the past the patient was treated because of different vegetative symptoms, which were interpreted in relation to excessive private problems. Despite suggestive clinical presentation, the diagnosis phaeochromocytoma was confirmed late. Following removal of the tumor, blood pressure came into the normal range. The operation also abolished all vegetative symptoms and lead to stabilisation of the psychosocial situation.