Rigorous biochemical criteria for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

THE “GRAY-COLORED TUMOR” OF alpha-methyl-dopa treatment and not proven to have pheochromocytoma have been the basis for “normal” values. At least two of these patients with values considered “normal” have undergone celiotomy and an abdominal pheochromocytoma was not found. Multiple follow-up studies have indicated the others not to have the tumor. THE ADRENAL medulla has fascinated physicians for 80 years. The diagnosis in the past has been hazardous and error prone. The variety of diagnostic measures currently recommended suggest there has been little consensus on the best approach. The purpose of this presentation is to give our convictions on definitive diagnosis based on 6 years’ experience in a highly specialized laboratory in a large medical center. By definitive diagnosis is meant sufficient confidence in the results to operate on the patient without further diagnostic investigation.