Chemical Quantitation of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine in Thirteen Patients with Pheochromocytoma

Fluorescent quantitation of epinephrine and norepinephrine in plasma of patients suspected of having pheochromocytomas is of considerable diagnostic value. The concentrations of these pressor amines in normal subjects, patients with various diseases with and without hypertension, and 13 patients with pheochromocytomas are reported. In all patients with pheochromocytomas and sustained hypertension the concentrations of pressor amines were significantly elevated. However, in patients with paroxysmal hypertension secondary to pheochromocytomas the pressor amine concentrations may be unelevated when the blood pressures are normal. In this latter group provocative tests with intravenous histamine are indicated to induce hypertension prior to quantitating pressor amines.