In a patient presenting with labile hypertension, diaphoresis, hyperglycemia, palpitations, severe headaches, and tachycardia, what condition is likely?

The symptoms presented in this scenario strongly indicate pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that secretes catecholamines. Patients with pheochromocytoma often experience episodes of labile hypertension, which refers to fluctuating blood pressure that can be significantly elevated. The catecholamines released by the tumor also lead to hyperglycemia due to increased glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, while symptoms like diaphoresis, palpitations, and tachycardia occur due to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity. Severe headaches can be attributed to hypertensive episodes that are characteristic of pheochromocytoma.

In contrast, myocardial infarction may present with chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes diaphoresis, but it does not typically cause the combination of labile hypertension and hyperglycemia as described here. Thyroid storm can present with similar symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension but typically includes other signs such as high fever, altered mental status, and thyroid dysfunction. Adrenal insufficiency primarily presents with symptoms related to low cortisol levels, such as fatigue, weakness, and hypotension, rather than hypertension and hyperglycemia.

The unique combination of labile hypertension, palpitations, and hypergly