Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Screening for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
1Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University of Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany. Graeme.Eisenhofer@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Current Hypertension Reports
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Early biochemical testing of plasma or urinary metanephrines is crucial for diagnosis in symptomatic patients and those with genetic mutations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are heterogeneous neuroendocrine tumors.
- Consideration is needed in patients with hypertension, catecholamine excess, incidentalomas, or known tumor susceptibility gene mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of considering PPGLs in diagnosis.
- To outline appropriate screening and biochemical testing strategies for PPGLs.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria and genetic associations for PPGLs.
- Emphasis on biochemical testing, including plasma or urinary metanephrines (normetanephrine and metanephrine).
- Discussion of individualized screening based on specific mutations and the role of methoxytyramine measurement.
Main Results:
- Biochemical testing with metanephrines is straightforward in symptomatic patients.
- Germline mutations can lead to PPGLs in the absence of typical symptoms.
- Methoxytyramine measurements aid in specific genetic contexts and malignancy risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- Prompt consideration of PPGLs is critical for timely diagnosis.
- Biochemical testing of metanephrines is a key screening tool.
- Personalized screening approaches, including methoxytyramine, improve detection, especially in genetically predisposed individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:27Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
01:24Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...