The many faces of pheochromocytoma CMAJ 1997;157:1516 I am now an ophthalmologist active in medical research and teaching, but the article "Pheochromocytoma manifesting with shock presents a clinical paradox: a case report" (CMAJ 1997;157[7]:923-5 [full text / résumé]), by Jason Ford and associates, reminded me of a similar case, the first I ever researched in detail and wrote up for publication.1 I credit a good part of my success as an investigator to learning from that experience that physicians, when treating relatively common problems, must always be aware of the existence and characteristics of rare disorders that may mimick common problems. A perusal of my now reasonably lengthy CV indicates a disproportionate interest in "esoteric" disorders, perhaps as a consequence of once saving a man who surely would have died if not for unusual curiosity on the part of his doctors (as far as I know, he's still alive and well). As a direct consequence of my own experience, I have serious concerns about reformed medical curricula, which teach medical students about common problems, and tell them to look up the others. We never know who is going to walk into our offices next, and it is the responsibility of all physicians to be curious and knowledgeable about rare as well as common problems. I thank Ford, Rosenberg and Chan for reminding a new generation of Canadian physicians not to relax until all parts of the puzzle fit, and for pointing out that rare things are a lot more common when you look for them. Steve Arshinoff, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmology York Finch Eye Associates Downsview, Ont. Reference Myers MG, Arshinoff SA. Infection and pheochromocytoma. JAMA 1977;237:2096. Send a letter to the editor responding to this letter Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cette lettre | CMAJ December 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 11) / JAMC le 1er décembre 1997 (vol 157, no 11) |