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Tarling JA, Kumar R, Ward LJ, Boot C, Wassif WS. Phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma. J Clin Pathol 2024:jcp-2023-209234. [PMID: 38453430 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumours which can potentially cause catastrophic crises with high morbidity and mortality. This best practice article considers the causes and presentation of such tumours, screening and diagnostic tests, management of these patients and consideration of family members at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ann Tarling
- Clinical Biochemistry, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
| | - Louise J Ward
- Clinical Biochemistry, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
| | - Christopher Boot
- Blood Sciences, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - W S Wassif
- Clinical Biochemistry, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, UK
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Eisenhofer G, Pamporaki C, Lenders JWM. Biochemical Assessment of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:862-909. [PMID: 36996131 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) require prompt consideration and efficient diagnosis and treatment to minimize associated morbidity and mortality. Once considered, appropriate biochemical testing is key to diagnosis. Advances in understanding catecholamine metabolism have clarified why measurements of the O-methylated catecholamine metabolites rather than the catecholamines themselves are important for effective diagnosis. These metabolites, normetanephrine and metanephrine, produced respectively from norepinephrine and epinephrine, can be measured in plasma or urine, with choice according to available methods or presentation of patients. For patients with signs and symptoms of catecholamine excess, either test will invariably establish the diagnosis, whereas the plasma test provides higher sensitivity than urinary metanephrines for patients screened due to an incidentaloma or genetic predisposition, particularly for small tumors or in patients with an asymptomatic presentation. Additional measurements of plasma methoxytyramine can be important for some tumors, such as paragangliomas, and for surveillance of patients at risk of metastatic disease. Avoidance of false-positive test results is best achieved by plasma measurements with appropriate reference intervals and preanalytical precautions, including sampling blood in the fully supine position. Follow-up of positive results, including optimization of preanalytics for repeat tests or whether to proceed directly to anatomic imaging or confirmatory clonidine tests, depends on the test results, which can also suggest likely size, adrenal vs extra-adrenal location, underlying biology, or even metastatic involvement of a suspected tumor. Modern biochemical testing now makes diagnosis of PPGL relatively simple. Integration of artificial intelligence into the process should make it possible to fine-tune these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Pamporaki
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jacques W M Lenders
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Boot CS. A Laboratory Medicine Perspective on the Investigation of Phaeochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2940. [PMID: 37761307 PMCID: PMC10529273 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phaeochromocytomas (PC) and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGL) are potentially malignant tumours arising from the adrenal medulla (PC) or elsewhere in the sympathetic nervous system (PGL). These tumours usually secrete catecholamines and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, so accurate and timely diagnosis is essential. The initial diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) is often dependent on biochemical testing. There is a range of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical factors influencing the analytical and diagnostic performance of biochemical tests for PPGL. Pre-analytical factors include patient preparation, sample handling and choice of test. Analytical factors include choice of methodology and the potential for analytical interference from medications and other compounds. Important factors in the post-analytical phase include provision of appropriate reference ranges, an understanding of the potential effects of various medications on metanephrine concentrations in urine and plasma and a consideration of PPGL prevalence in the patient population being tested. This article reviews these pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical factors that must be understood in order to provide effective laboratory services for biochemical testing in the diagnosis of PPGL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Boot
- Department of Blood Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK
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Eisenhofer G, Peitzsch M, Bechmann N, Huebner A. Biochemical Diagnosis of Catecholamine-Producing Tumors of Childhood: Neuroblastoma, Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:901760. [PMID: 35957826 PMCID: PMC9360409 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.901760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Catecholamine-producing tumors of childhood include most notably neuroblastoma, but also pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). Diagnosis of the former depends largely on biopsy-dependent histopathology, but this is contraindicated in PPGL where diagnosis depends crucially on biochemical tests of catecholamine excess. Such tests retain some importance in neuroblastoma though continue to largely rely on measurements of homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), which are no longer recommended for PPGL. For PPGL, urinary or plasma metanephrines are the recommended most accurate tests. Addition of methoxytyramine to the plasma panel is particularly useful to identify dopamine-producing tumors and combined with normetanephrine also shows superior diagnostic performance over HVA and VMA for neuroblastoma. While use of metanephrines and methoxytyramine for diagnosis of PPGL in adults is established, there are numerous pitfalls for use of these tests in children. The establishment of pediatric reference intervals is particularly difficult and complicated by dynamic changes in metabolites during childhood, especially in infants for both plasma and urinary measurements, and extending to adolescence for urinary measurements. Interpretation of test results is further complicated in children by difficulties in following recommended preanalytical precautions. Due to this, the slow growing nature of PPGL and neglected consideration of the tumors in childhood the true pediatric prevalence of PPGL is likely underappreciated. Earlier identification of disease, as facilitated by surveillance programs, may uncover the true prevalence and improve therapeutic outcomes of childhood PPGL. For neuroblastoma there remain considerable obstacles in moving from entrenched to more accurate tests of catecholamine excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- *Correspondence: Graeme Eisenhofer,
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Angela Huebner
- Department of Pediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Boot C, Toole B, Harris S, Tetlow L, Wassif WS. A UK national audit of the laboratory investigation of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Ann Clin Biochem 2021; 59:65-75. [PMID: 34605294 DOI: 10.1177/00045632211046759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are catecholamine secreting tumours associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis and management are essential. A range of laboratory tests can be utilised in the investigation of PPGL. There is scope for significant variation in practice between centres. We aimed to investigate how the laboratory investigation of PPGL is performed in laboratories across the United Kingdom. METHODS A questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was circulated to Clinical Biochemistry laboratories in the United Kingdom via the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine office. The survey was designed to allow audit against Endocrine Society Guidelines on the Investigation and Management of PPGL and to obtain information on other important aspects not included in these guidelines. RESULTS Responses were received from 58 laboratories and the data were compiled. The majority of laboratories use either urine or plasma metanephrines in first-line testing for PPGL, although a number of different combinations of biochemistry tests are utilised in different centres. All laboratories measuring metanephrines or catecholamines in-house use LC or LC-MS/MS methods. There are some marked differences between laboratories in urine metanephrines reference ranges used and sample requirements. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence of good practice in UK laboratories (as assessed against Endocrine Society Guidelines) such as widespread use of urine/plasma metanephrines and appropriate analytical methodologies used. However, there is also evidence of variations in practice in some areas that should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Boot
- Blood Sciences, 5983Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barry Toole
- Blood Sciences, 5983Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sharman Harris
- Department of Blood Sciences, 7696Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport, UK
| | - Lisa Tetlow
- Blood Science Department, 1507Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, UK
| | - Wassif S Wassif
- Chair ACB National Audit Group, Clinical Biochemistry Department, 1578Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, Bedford, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Great progress has been made in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGLs). This review highlights the new standards in the diagnosis and management of pediatric PPGLs. RECENT FINDINGS The vast majority of pediatric PPGLs have an associated germline mutation, making genetic studies imperative in the work up of these tumors. Somatostatin receptor-based imaging modalities such as 68Ga-DOTATATE and 64Cu-DOTATATE are shown to have the greatest sensitivity in pediatric PPGLs. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapies (PRRTs) such as 177Lu-DOTATATE are shown to have efficacy for treating PPGLs. SUMMARY Genetics play an important role in pediatric PPGLs. Advances in somatostatin receptor-based technology have led to use of 68Ga-DOTATATE and 64Cu-DOTATATE as preferred imaging modalities. While surgery remains the mainstay for management of PPGLs, PRRT is emerging as a treatment option for PPGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Shin T, Hoang TD, Plunkett MT, Shakir MKM. False elevations in urinary metanephrines: under-recognised pitfall with 24-hour urinary volume collection. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/2/e241147. [PMID: 33541972 PMCID: PMC7868217 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-241147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One pitfall in 24-hour urine collection is the input of incorrect urinary volume by the reference laboratory. This may lead to an incorrect diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. A 48-year-old African-American woman was seen in the clinic for an elevated 24-hour urine metanephrine screen during workup for secondary hypertension. Urine volume was found to be incorrectly inputted by the lab as 9750 mL rather than 975 mL. The urinary metanephrines were then recalculated and the 24-hour urinary metanephrines resulted within normal limits. This case highlights this unique and potentially under-recognised error in testing with 24-hour urine volume collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Shin
- Endocrinology, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, USA .,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thanh Duc Hoang
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Endocrinology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mohamed K M Shakir
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Endocrinology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Wang H, Zhang X, Zhen Q, Zou W, Chen H, Luo C, Ding M. Detection of spot urinary free metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine with internal reference correction for the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1156:122306. [PMID: 32829134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Detection of normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN) and 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) could be used to diagnose pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). The accuracy for the diagnosis of PPGLs is only 6% by virtue of the classic symptom triad. In addition, false-positive results were found using plasma free MNs as biomarkers. Spot urinary free metanephrines (MNs) presented high specificity for PPGLs diagnosis in our previous work by HPLC with the electrochemical detection. Whereas, MNs and creatinine (Cr) need to be detected separately. A simple and specific method was urgently needed for the diagnosis of PPGLs. Here, we established a new HPLC method for spot urinary free MNs and 3-MT by the fluorescence detection and Cr by the ultraviolet detection simultaneously. It was worth mentioning that Cr for the virtue of being fairly constant in a given subject was used as an internal reference correction to eliminate the effect of spot urine volume for the diagnosis of PPGLs. Thirty-seven patients with PPGLs and 164 control subjects were detected by the established method and the peak area ratios of MNs and 3-MT to Cr were used innovatively for the diagnosis of PPGLs. The results showed acceptable precisions and recoveries. The sensitivities of the method were 94.6%, 91.9% and 86.5% and the specificities were 96.3%, 93.9% and 82.3%, respectively by the peak area of NMN/Cr, MN/Cr and 3-MT/Cr for the diagnosis. The established method provides a promising way for simple, rapid and accurate diagnosis of PPGLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qianna Zhen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wenbi Zou
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Can Luo
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Min Ding
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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