Catecholamine Urine Test
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
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This test is performed to diagnose hypertension secondary to pheochromocytoma. It is also used to detect the presence of neuroblastomas and other rare adrenal tumors.[1], [2]
Contents
Discussion
- A pheochromocytoma is a tumore of the chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla of the brain that frequently secretes abnormally high levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
- A 24-hour urine test is preferable to a blood test as catecholamine secretion from the tumor may be episodic and could be missed at any time during the day.
- The urine provides a specimen that reflects the catecholamine production over an entire day.
- The test is best performed when symptoms (such as hypertention) of the potentialo adrenal tumor are significant.
Patient Preparation
- Factors which can cause increased levels:
- Drugs: alcohol (ethyl), aminophylline, caffeine, chloral hydrate, clonidine (prolonged therapy), contrast media (containing iodine), disulfiram, epinephrine, erythromycin, insulin, methenamine, methyldopa, nicotinic acid (large doses), nitroglycerin, quinidine, riboflavin, and tetracyclins
- Factors which can cause decreased levels:
- Drugs: guanethidine, reserpine, and salicylates
Clinical Implications
Ranges
High levels indicate
- Pheochromocytomas
- Neuroblastomas
- Ganglioneuromas
- Ganglioblastomas
- Severe stress
- Strenuous exercise
- Acute anxiety
Low levels indicate:
- None indicated
Associated Tests
- Pheochromocytoma suppression and provocative tests
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
