Metanephrines for Evaluating Palpitations and Flushing

JAMA. 2017 Jul 25;318(4):385-386. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.5926.

Abstract

A 29-year-old woman was referred for chronic paroxysmal palpitations, flushing, a pale complexion, and diaphoresis. She reported increasing symptoms possibly affected by stress, left lateral recumbent position, and physical activity. There was no history of weight loss, hypertension, medication use, or a family history of genetic syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau. Physical examination revealed a body mass index of 25.9, blood pressure of 112/74 mm Hg, and a heart rate of 82 beats/min without cardiac or renal artery murmurs or skin lesions. Laboratory tests were performed (Table 1).

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Catecholamines / urine
  • Female
  • Flushing / etiology
  • Humans
  • Metanephrine / blood*
  • Metanephrine / urine
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Vanilmandelic Acid / urine

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Metanephrine
  • Vanilmandelic Acid