Introduction: Hemorrhagic suprarenal masses presenting with hypertensive emergency pose a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly when biochemical and radiological findings are inconclusive. The clinical presentation may mimic catecholamine-secreting tumors, necessitating consideration of a broad differential diagnosis, including pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and hematological-related extramedullary lesions. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as management strategies differ significantly. Case: We report a 48-year-old male smoker with no known prior medical illness who presented with sudden left-sided chest pain radiating to the epigastrium, associated with vomiting. On arrival, he was markedly hypertensive (207/131 mmHg). He reported a 1-year history of paroxysmal palpitations, headaches, migraines, and intermittent diaphoresis. Computed tomography angiography excluded aortic dissection but demonstrated a left retroperitoneal hemorrhage with non-visualization of the adrenal gland, suggestive of adrenal or tumor-related hemorrhage. He was initially managed empirically as a pheochromocytoma while undergoing biochemical evaluation; however, urinary metanephrines were only mildly elevated. Repeat imaging demonstrated interval enlargement of a non-enhancing suprarenal mass, raising concern for tumor-related hemorrhage. Subsequent ultrasonography, however, favored a liquefied hematoma, and percutaneous drainage yielded 750 mL of sanguineous fluid, resulting in marked clinical improvement. Notably, an elevated hematocrit prompted further evaluation for erythrocytosis. Subsequent testing confirmed JAK2 mutation-positive polycythemia rubra vera, providing a unifying explanation for both the erythrocytosis and spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage. The patient was commenced on hydroxyurea and referred for hematology follow-up. Conclusion Adrenal hemorrhage may closely mimic pheochromocytoma in hypertensive emergencies. A systematic, multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management, particularly in patients with underlying hematological disorders.
Hypertensive Crisis ; Pheochromocytoma ; Polycythemia Vera ; Hematoma

OBJECTIVE

To present a rare case of nine syndrome in a middle-aged patient with stage IV chronic kidney disease presenting with hypertensive emergency at a tertiary government hospital, and to discuss its clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management within the realities of limited-resource settings.

METHODS

This is a case report.

RESULTS

A 45-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension and stage IV chronic kidney disease came to the emergency department with acute dizziness and vomiting. On neurologic examination, she had left horizontal conjugate gaze palsy and an adduction deficit of the left eye with intact abduction and an abducting nystagmus of the right eye consistent with one-and-a-half syndrome. In addition, she had left-sided facial weakness and right lower limb weakness suggesting nine syndrome. Brain imaging confirmed a left posterior pontine infarct. Treatment for neuroprotection and blood pressure control led to significant improvement in ocular symptoms and muscle strength.

CONCLUSION

This report describes a rare case of nine syndrome. Careful bedside neuro-ophthalmologic examination, supported by MRI, enabled accurate localization to the paramedian pons. Early recognition allowed timely stroke management and initiation of secondary management, even in a resource-limited setting.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Hypertensive Emergency ; Hypertensive Crisis

Pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage is a rare condition among children. We discuss the case of a 7-year-old Filipino male with generalized tonic seizures and diagnosed to have both SARS-CoV-2 infection and hypertension secondary to renal arterial stenosis. The occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage in children, though commonly caused by arteriovenous malformations, may be secondary to an acute hypertensive episode. In this case, the presence of COVID-19 in the patient may have been contributory to the development of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage due to its direct endothelial effects, as well as its dysregulatory action on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
COVID-19 ; Hypertensive Crisis ; Renal Artery Obstruction