What labs check for pheochromocytoma?

What labs check for pheochromocytoma?

The most commonly ordered blood test for pheochromocytoma is the plasma free metanephrine test. Though more convenient to obtain than a 24-hour urine collection, plasma free metanephrine testing is plagued by frequent false positive results.

Which one of the following is the most sensitive laboratory test for detecting pheochromocytoma?

Recent studies have indicated that urine total metanephrines is the most sensitive laboratory test for pheochromocytoma.

What is PGL PCC?

Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome (PGL/PCC) is a group of familial cancer syndromes characterized by the presence of: Paragangliomas (PGL) — tumors that arise from neuroendocrine tissues symmetrically distributed along the spine from the base of the skull to the pelvis.

What is a high Metanephrine level?

Total urinary metanephrines can be measured in milligrams (mg). A level of 1.3 mg or greater over 24 hours is often considered positive.

Which condition shows a clinical presentation of purplish red striae?

Skin findings in Cushing’s syndrome Skin striae due to hypercortisolism are often wide and purple, which contrasts with the narrow and pale or pink striae of rapid weight gain (5).

How is malignant pheochromocytoma diagnosed?

The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is confirmed by elevated catecholamine metabolites (metanephrines) in plasma and/or raised 24 h urinary excretion of fractionated metanephrines [9, 23]. Free catecholamines in 24 h urine should be measured when metanephrine analysis is not available.

Which urine test is more reliable to diagnose pheochromocytoma?

Plasma free metanephrines constitute the best test for excluding or confirming pheochromocytoma and should be the test of first choice for diagnosis of the tumor. A negative test result virtually excludes pheochromocytoma.

Which assay using 24 hour urine is considered the best single screening test for pheochromocytoma?

Plasma metanephrine testing has the highest sensitivity (96%) for detecting a pheochromocytoma, but it has a lower specificity (85%). In comparison, a 24-hour urinary collection for catecholamines and metanephrines has a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 99.7%.

How is PCC diagnosed?

Urine dopamine or plasma methoxytyramine testing may be considered for rare dopamine secreting PCCs. For known or suspected familial syndromes, testing for known mutations associated with those syndromes should be considered.

Can you have pheochromocytoma with normal Metanephrines?

Conclusions: Normal plasma concentrations of metanephrines exclude the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, whereas normal plasma concentrations of catecholamines and normal urinary excretion of metanephrines do not.

What are the initial diagnostic tests for iron deficiency anemia?

Initial investigational tests The recommended initial tests for iron deficiency and for IDA, in otherwise well patients, should usually be limited to serum ferritin and complete blood count (CBC). Refer to page 4 for guidance on additional testing in patients with comorbid conditions.

What is the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and other hypochromic anemias?

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can cause a problem in the differential diagnosis of other hypochromic anemias such as beta-thalassemia trait, alpha-thalassemia trait, HbE disease, sideroblastic anemia, or anemia due to chronic diseases.

What tests are performed in the workup of hemoglobin deficiency?

Clinical suspicion is often raised by noting low hemoglobin value on a complete blood count (CBC). Further workup often includes investigating additional serum chemistries, including a ferritin, transferrin saturation, and calculating a total iron binding capacity. A low ferritin is almost always indicative of iron deficiency.

Can you take iron supplements if you have microcytic anemia?

The exception is: patients with microcytic anemia should not be given iron supplements until iron deficiency is confirmed by testing ferritin. Low MCV in the setting of normal ferritin may indicate hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia. Long term iron therapy is harmful for these patients.