What is the hallmark symptom cluster of pheochromocytoma?

• A. Hypotension and bradycardia
• B. Hypertension, tachycardia, sweating
• C. Weight gain
• D. Dry skin

Answer: (B)

Pheochromocytoma causes excessive, episodic release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, which drives sympathetic nervous system effects. This leads to sudden increases in blood pressure (hypertension), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and sweating from sympathetic activation. These features together form the hallmark symptom cluster. The other options don’t fit because they describe either opposite effects (hypotension and bradycardia) or non-specific symptoms (weight gain, dry skin) that aren’t characteristic of pheochromocytoma.