Adrenal Disorders

Pheochromocytoma

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Standard tests available to diagnose pheochromocytoma include:

• 24-Hour Urinary Catecholamines and Metanephrines Test -- This measures the production of the different types of hormonal compounds made by the adrenal glands. Since the body excretes these hormones in the urine, a patient's urine is examined after 24 hours to check for increased levels of the hormones. This test measures different types of adrenaline, including epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, as well as the compounds discarded by the liver and kidney.

• Serum Catecholamines -- This study measures the adrenalin compounds in the blood and can detect elevated adrenalin levels

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and I-MIBG Scans -- These scans help locate the tumor. If a pheochromocytoma is suspected, the CT scan should be without contrast unless hypertension is controlled.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007