Endocrine Abstracts

Measurements of plasma or urinary metanephrines are recommended for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). Differences of opinion exist concerning what test offers optimal diagnostic accuracy and whether supine sampling is required for the plasma test. Whether urinary free metanephrines offer advantages over deconjugated metabolites and the relative utilities of additional measurements of methoxytyramine are also unclear. This presentation covers 25 years of e...

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours with marked genetic heterogeneity, being the most inherited human tumour described so far. Around 40% of patients will be a carrier of a germline mutation in any of the know PPGL genes, and thus, for years most of studies have been performed on germline DNA. Findings from genetic testing in tumour DNA has dramatically changed the scenario. Nowadays, it is as relevant to make the screening on the germ...

Historically, bilateral subtotal adrenalectomy was first attempted in patients with failed pituitary surgery for Cushing syndrome. Currently the operation is discussed predominantly in the context of familial phaeochromocytomas in an attempt to preserve sufficient cortical function and avoid life-long steroid dependence. The patients have to be informed of the significance of their particular genetic mutation, the impact of the size of tumours on the intraoperative feasibility...