THE BIOCHEMICAL-DIAGNOSIS, LOCALIZATION AND FOLLOW UP OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA - THE ROLE OF PLASMA AND URINARY CATECHOLAMINE MEASUREMENTS

Abstract

The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is dependent on combined biochemical and radiological investigation, the biochemical studies being performed initially and followed later by non-invasive and invasive radiological techniques. In 23 patients studied, a selection of biochemical studies allowed diagnosis and accurate localization of pheochromocytoma in 16. In some patients, tumor localization was confirmed by radiographic methods. Biochemical estimations of catecholamines and/or metabolites in urine and/or plasma were performed during and after operation; these measurements allowed monitoring of the completeness of tumor excision and of the possibility of recurrence in the short term and long term follow-up.