A simplified, cost-effective approach to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Plasma catecholamines have been used for diagnosis and computerized tomography scanning for localization in 21 patients with proved pheochromocytoma. Blood catecholamines were obtained in 20 of the patients and were elevated significantly in every instance. Successful localization of the tumor was accomplished by excretory urography in only 47% of the cases, by selective angiography in 85% and by abdominal computerized tomography scanning in 88%. In 7 patients preoperative identification and localization of the tumor were determined correctly by computerized tomography scanning alone. Data in our series suggest that the diagnosis and localization of pheochromocytoma can be accomplished usually by a simple blood test and body scan. More elaborate and sometimes hazardous studies should be necessary only in exceptional cases, usually with tumors less than 3 cm. in diameter.