Clonidine suppression testing for pheochromocytoma in neurofibromatosis type 1. Issue 6 (25th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, WingYee; Nguyen, Bichle; Graybill, Sky; Kim, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 12:Issue 6(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06-25
• Subjects: adrenal disorders -- neuro genetics; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228263
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Compared with the general population, rates of pheochromocytoma are higher in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. However, pheochromocytoma testing is often plagued by false positive results. Here we present a patient with NF1, elevated urinary metanephrine levels, and an indeterminate adrenal nodule. Clonidine suppression testing aided diagnosis and led to definitive surgical treatment that confirmed a pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytoma screening and clonidine suppression testing can both aid in the evaluation for catecholamine-secreting tumours.