Plasma metanephrines in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Article Abstract:

Testing blood levels of metanephrine may be more reliable and convenient in diagnosing pheochromocytoma than testing 24-hour urine samples. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands or surrounding tissue. Symptoms of pheochromocytoma can mimic the symptoms of high blood pressure. Metanephrine is a by-product of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine released by the adrenal glands. Researchers measured adrenal hormone levels in the blood and urine of 52 patients with pheochromocytoma, 51 patients with high blood pressure and 67 healthy volunteers. An elevated level of blood metanephrine accurately predicted the presence of pheochromocytoma in 100% of the cases. Elevated blood levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine accurately predicted the presence of this tumor in 85% of the cases. An elevated urinary level of metanephrine accurately predicted only 89% of the pheochromocytomas.

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Plasma or urinary metanephrines for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma? That is the question

Article Abstract:

Two different methods of diagnosing pheochromocytoma, researched by two separate groups, can be equally effective. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that can be detected by measuring plasma metanephrine levels or by observing 24-hour urinary metanephrine-to-creatinine ratios. The negative predictive values and sensitivities of both groups were 100%. Both groups lacked reference groups of patients with symptoms mimicking pheochromocytoma. Either test can be reliable if the physician sees the limitations of the methods of analysis and understands the changes in catecholamine metabolism that occur with this disease.

Editorial

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Plasma normetanephrine and metanephrine for detecting pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau disease and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

Article Abstract:

Measuring normetanephrine and metanephrine in blood samples may be the best way of diagnosing pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands. Normetanephrine and metanephrine are produced from norepinephrine and epinephrine, which are chemicals produced in the body. Researchers measured these two chemicals in blood samples from 35 patients with documented pheochromocytoma and 50 patients who did not have this tumor. Ninety-seven percent of those with pheochromocytoma had elevated levels of the two chemicals. Ninety-six percent of those with no pheochromocytoma had normal levels.

Complications and side effects, Von Hippel-Lindau disease

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