PLASMA-CATECHOLAMINE LEVELS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 152  (3) , 291-296
Abstract
Plasma catecholamine levels were determined before, during and after operation in consecutive patients operated upon for pheochromocytoma. The method used permits the simultaneous determination of norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. All patients had increased levels of 1 or several catecholamines while hypertensive. Two of 7 patients had normal levels of catecholamines while they were normotensive. Spontaneous or provoked attacks strongly increased plasma catecholamine levels. The present method may be of value as a simple method to ascertain or exclude pheochromocytoma. During operation plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels increased up to 600-fold when the tumor was manipulated. The unpredictable rapid and large variations in levels of catecholamines found during operation suggest preoperative .alpha.-adrenergic receptor blockade, and monitoring of central circulation.