Complications of Clonidine Suppression Test for Pheochromocytoma

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Abstract
To the Editor: Bravo and his colleagues reported a simple diagnostic test using clonidine to detect pheochromocytoma (issue of September 10, 1981).1 The test was well tolerated by all their patients. We have recently observed serious complications in two patients undergoing the clonidine suppression test.A 54-year-old man with a three-month history of severe hypertension had a blood pressure of 260/150 mm Hg on initial evaluation. Oral doses of hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg daily), clonidine (0.1 mg twice a day), and hydralazine (50 mg four times a day) provided initial control of the hypertension. The clonidine dose was tapered in anticipation . . .