Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytoma
Information source: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on June 20, 2008
Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Pheochromocytoma
Phase: N/A
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Summary
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.
Clinical Details
Official title: Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytoma
Study design: N/A
Detailed description:
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.
Eligibility
Minimum age: N/A.
Maximum age: N/A.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
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.
Locations and Contacts
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
Additional Information
Related publications: Elijovich F. Plasma metanephrines in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Ann Intern Med. 1996 Apr 1;124(7):694-5. No abstract available. Grossman E, Goldstein DS, Hoffman A, Keiser HR. Glucagon and clonidine testing in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Hypertension. 1991 Jun;17(6 Pt 1):733-41. Amery A, Conway J. A critical review of diagnostic tests for pheochromocytoma. Am Heart J. 1967 Jan;73(1):129-33. Review. No abstract available.
Starting date: October 1988
Ending date: January 2001
Last updated: March 3, 2008
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