[Plasma catecholamines; values in normal subjects and its use the localization of pheochromocytoma]

The results of plasma catacholamines obtained from a group of 79 healthy subjects, 35 females and 44 males varied from 2.4 to 26.5 ng/100 ml of plasma. There was no statistical difference due to sex or age. The value of plasma catacholamines in blood samples taken from catheterizations of inferior vena cava in patients with Pheochromocytoma was useful in the localization of the neoplasia in 4 cases which were studied. The maximum values coincide with the side or site of the localization of the neoplasia in the 4 cases. The clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was suspected in the other three cases which were not catheterized and in those in which the clinical suspicion was evident. One of these cases was operated on and the tumor was found in the right adrenal gland. The other two patients have refused catheterization as well as the exploratory surgery. One of these is controlled with adequate medication while the other has refused all treatment.