Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland. This tumor is typically benign (not cancerous) and can be cured by surgical removal. However, pheochromocytomas produce neurohormones called cateholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). High levels of catecholamines can result in high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. These tumors are considered dangerous because of their unpredictable behavior. Patients with pheochromocytoma may experience blood pressures high enough to cause a stroke or heart attack in patients.

This study is designed to take patients suspected of having pheochromocytoma and confirm the diagnosis. This will be done using a variety of laboratory tests including a clonidine suppression test and glucagon stimulation test. These tests use drugs that can stimulate or reduce the activity of the tumor if it is present in the body.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients participating in this study will undergo standard procedures to find the exact location of the tumor and receive standard therapy for the condition.

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Key information

Conditions

Pheochromocytoma Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neuroectodermal Tumors Neuroendocrine Tumors Paraganglioma

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

About this study

Patients suspected of having a pheochromocytoma will be studied via a series of tests in an attempt to ascertain biochemically whether or not they really have such a tumor. These procedures will include a standard clonidine suppression test and a standard glucagon stimulation test. Once the diagnosis has been made on the basis of biochemistry, then localization and therapy will be done via standard procedures. Measurement of plasma metanephrines on mailed samples is available for physicians who seek further evidence for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Patients of any age and either sex who are suspected of having a pheochromocytoma on the basis of one or more of the following: 1. hypertensive episodes in a normotensive subject, 2. abnormal levels of blood and/or urinary catecholamines or their metabolites, or 3. an otherwise unexplained abdominal mass.

Patients without any evidence of pheochromocytoma are excluded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Nih

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 1988
Study completion: 2001
First posted: Dec 10, 2002
Registry last updated: Mar 4, 2008

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

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