Phaeochromocytoma as a cause of reversible dementia.

The case of a 57 year old man with cognitive impairment, hypertension and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus caused by phaeochromocytoma is reported. One year after removal of the tumour there was a significant improvement with the full scale IQ increasing by 15 points, normotension and minimal glucose intolerance. Possible mechanisms accounting for reversible cognitive impairment in such a situation are discussed. No previous reports of this association have been discovered.