Searching for pheochromocytoma: a new and better test?
Article Abstract:
Despite encouraging preliminary results, a new diagnostic test for pheochromocytoma may need some refining. Pheochromocytoma is a rare and potentially fatal tumor of the adrenal glands or the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of this disease can mimic symptoms of high blood pressure. Researchers developed a highly accurate test for detecting this tumor. This test predicts the presence of pheochromocytoma by measuring blood levels of an adrenal hormone by-product. However, the few false-positive results reported with this research should be cause for concern. These false-positive results occurred in patients who had other complicating heart conditions. Complete accuracy is essential in these particular cases. Further study will determine whether this is the most accurate test for detecting the presence of pheochromocytoma.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Long-Term Sequelae of Spontaneous Axillary--Subclavian Venous Thrombosis
Article Abstract:
The prognosis for aftereffects and complications of spontaneous axillary--subclavian venous thrombosis (a blood clotting type obstruction in the veins between the armpit and the collarbone) is good. In examination and follow up of five years of 54 patients seen over an 18 year period, patients were asked to rate discomfort, while ultrasonography was also used to determine later incidents. The patients rated their severity of symptoms as negligible in 47% of the cases and severe in 13% of them. On a one-to-ten scale, 78% rated symprtoms in the zero to three range and 9% in the seven to ten range.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1999
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The urinary metanephrine-to-creatinine ratio for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma
Article Abstract:
The metanephrine-to-creatinine ratio can be an accurate measure for diagnosing pheochromocytoma. A rare and possibly fatal tumor, pheochromocytoma sometimes causes hypertension. Researchers screened 1,013 people with hypertension for pheochromocytoma by measuring 24-hour urinary levels of metanephrine and creatinine. Twenty of 58 patients with high metanephrine levels or high metanephrine-to-creatinine ratios had pheochromocytoma. Of the remaining 38, 15 had high metanephrine levels but a normal metanephrine-to-creatinine ratio.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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