[Modern methods in localization of pheochromocytomas (author's transl)]

In six patients with adrenal pheochromocytoma the tumors were localized by ultrasonography, phlebography of the adrenal glands and by estimation of plasma catecholamines selectively obtained from the vena cava and the adrenal gland veins. All tumors were localized by selective catecholamine estimation, five by ultrasonography, and four by phlebography. The smallest pheochromocytoma of 1.5 g weight was only localized by selective catecholamine estimation but not by ultrasonography or phlebography. This tumor, however, had been visualized by computed tomography. To avoid diagnostic errors by selective catecholamine estimation, it is important to withdraw blood from the adrenal gland veins prior to the injection of any radiographic contrast media, since this may result in an extremely enhanced secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.