HomeAnswersGeneral PractitionerpheochromocytomaKindly interpret my test results for pheochromocytoma.

I had random urine test for pheochromocytoma. Do I have elevated lab work?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 5, 2018
Reviewed AtJanuary 24, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a random urine test for pheochromocytoma and I think my PCP is reading wrong. I went to the laboratory and gave an ambiguous report confusing people. She did say fourfold elevation normetanephrine and four-fold elevation u-metanephrine. I do have episodic severe hypertension attacks, palor, sweating, BP up to 256/131 mm of Hg for 20 minutes or so. Only very occasionally I have these attacks. As a 50 year old I never had sustained high blood pressure but now I do and am on large doses of medicines. Do I have elevated lab work and what do you think it means? U-metanephrine total QST 196 range 149 to 603. U-normetanephrine QST 148 range 108 to 524. U-epinephrine QST was below reportable range. Rest of numbers seem normal. What is your opinion?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your results showed raised urinary metanephrines but the other metabolites were within normal range. This could still indicate pheochromocytoma. I must say that your symptoms are quite suggestive of pheochromocytoma although not exclusively in favor of it. I need to know if you also get panic attacks and whether you have any other disorders associated with your thyroid or parathyroid glands, as that would pretty much go in favor of this diagnosis. Metanephrines Let me know so that I can advise some tests which would confirm the diagnosis so that adequate treatment can be initiated. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Yes, I get anxiety sometimes. I think my episodes occur when I am physically working and bending. The last episode happened when I was at work. I am a CT technologist working in an emergency room mostly. I do have bilateral flank that my doctor has ignored for months. I have palpitations regularly. I get diaphoresis, rapid pulse, sweating when I have these attacks. By the way, the urine measurements were in mg/dl units.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is likely that you have adrenal tumors most likely bilateral, which would explain the flank pain. Pheochromocytoma is usually benign and surgical removal of the tumor or tumors solves the problem. I would recommend you get a CT (computed tomography) scan of the whole abdomen done, which would prove the diagnosis and even locate the site in case of an extra-adrenal tumor. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

General Practitioner

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

pheochromocytomahypertension

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Practitioner

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy