For detecting pheochromocytoma, which metabolites are primarily measured?

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Multiple Choice

For detecting pheochromocytoma, which metabolites are primarily measured?

Explanation:
Metanephrine and normetanephrine are the primary metabolites used to detect pheochromocytoma because they are produced continuously from catecholamine metabolism inside the tumor and remain stable, giving higher sensitivity and reliability. Measuring plasma free metanephrines or urinary metanephrines often identifies tumors even when episodic catecholamine release is variable. In contrast, markers like HVA and VMA can miss cases due to fluctuations and broader metabolism; dopamine and serotonin are not the main diagnostic targets for this tumor, and combining HVA with catecholamines is not as informative as metanephrines.

Metanephrine and normetanephrine are the primary metabolites used to detect pheochromocytoma because they are produced continuously from catecholamine metabolism inside the tumor and remain stable, giving higher sensitivity and reliability. Measuring plasma free metanephrines or urinary metanephrines often identifies tumors even when episodic catecholamine release is variable. In contrast, markers like HVA and VMA can miss cases due to fluctuations and broader metabolism; dopamine and serotonin are not the main diagnostic targets for this tumor, and combining HVA with catecholamines is not as informative as metanephrines.

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