What condition can cause diastolic hypertension in a patient with Neurofibromatosis?

Diastolic hypertension in a patient with Neurofibromatosis can be associated with pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor derived from chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland that secretes catecholamines (like epinephrine and norepinephrine). These hormones can cause episodic or persistent elevations in blood pressure, leading specifically to diastolic hypertension due to their effect on vascular tone and peripheral resistance.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is known to be associated with various tumors, including pheochromocytomas, due to the underlying genetic mutations affecting tumor suppressor genes. When pheochromocytomas are present, they can lead to symptoms such as headaches, palpitations, and episodes of hypertension. The increased catecholamine release causes vasoconstriction, which particularly affects diastolic blood pressure.

Other options likely do not have as direct an association with Neurofibromatosis as is found with pheochromocytoma. While renal artery stenosis can cause hypertension, it is not specifically linked to Neurofibromatosis. Essential hypertension is a common condition but is not characteristically linked to this genetic disorder, and primary hyperaldosteronism, while it can cause hypertension