Two cases of cardiomyopathy associated with phaeochromocytoma successfully managed with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO).

Phaeochromocytoma should be considered in the diagnosis of patients presenting with acute cardiomyopathy. Management of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy is complex and requires multidisciplinary specialist input. Pre-operative management of phaeochromocytoma involves alpha-blockade; however, haemodynamic instability in the setting of cardiogenic shock can preclude alpha-blockade use. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a life-saving intervention which may be considered in cases of acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock in order to provide the required haemodynamic support in the initial phase of treatment, enabling the administration of traditional pharmacological agents, including alpha-blockade.