A blood test and/or 24 hour urine collection for the breakdown product of adrenaline & noradrenaline (plasma metanephrines) will be markedly elevated. However, certain medications and disorders (sleep apnea) may falsely elevate results. Once the diagnosis is clear based on blood or urine testing, imaging will be performed (usually MRI or CT) to identify the location of the pheochromocytoma prior to surgery. In certain cases, additional studies such as MIBG or PET scanning may be required. Needle biopsy of the tumor should never be performed to confirm the diagnosis, this can result in hypertensive crisis and potentially death. #Diagnosis #IM #Endo #Surgery #Pheochromocytoma #Pheo #Diagnosis #Algorithm
