Endocrine Abstracts

The biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and extra-adrenal paragangliomas can be established by the measurement of plasma free metanephrines and 24 h urinary excretion of fractionated metanephrines. After establishing the biochemical diagnosis, tumours can be localized using different anatomical and functional imaging modalities. These include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using [¹²³I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine or 11In-DTPA-pentetreotide, and positron emission tomography (PET) using 6-[¹⁸F]-fluorodopamine, 6-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (¹⁸F-DOPA) and 2-[¹⁸F]-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose. During the lecture, the currently available data on the performance of anatomical imaging, SPECT and PET for the detection of (metastatic) pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas will be reviewed. There appears to be no ‘gold-standard’ imaging technique for all patients. A tailor-made approach is warranted, guided by clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics. Functional imaging of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas has moved beyond tumor localization towards tumour characterization.

Declaration of interest: There is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.

Funding: No specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.