Biochemical diagnosis and localization of pheochromocytoma: can we reach a consensus?

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas can have a highly variable presentation, making diagnosis challenging. To think of the tumor represents the crucial initial step, but establishing the diagnosis requires biochemical evidence of excessive catecholamine production and imaging studies to localize the source. Currently, however, there exist no generally agreed upon guidelines based on which tests and testing algorithms should be used to confirm and locate or exclude a suspected pheochromocytoma. Choice of biochemical tests and imaging studies instead usually depends on institutional experience. At the First International Symposium on Pheochromocytoma (ISP2005), held in Bethesda in October 2005, a panel of experts and patient representatives discussed current problems and available options for tumor diagnosis and localization and formulated recommendations, which were subsequently agreed upon by those in attendance at the meeting. This article summarizes the discussion and recommendations derived from that session.

• Authors: Ashley Grossman, Karel Pacak, Anna Sawka, Jacques W M Lenders, Debra Harlander, Robert T Peaston, Rodney Reznek, James Sisson, Graeme Eisenhofer
• Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci) Vol. 1073 Pg. 332-47 (Aug 2006) ISSN: 0077-8923 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17102103 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural)

Topics

• Adrenal Gland Neoplasms (diagnosis, metabolism)
• Algorithms
• Humans
• Pheochromocytoma (diagnosis, metabolism)