Biochemistry of Pheochromocytoma

Several clinical disorders mimic the signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma; the definitive diagnosis of this condition thus rests primarily on showing excessive and inappropriate production of catecholamine. Because pheochromocytoma is fatal if undiagnosed, biochemical tests used to detect it should have a high sensitivity. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine producing tumor that can cause severe hypertension and other systemic disturbances. In this article biochemistry of pheochromocytoma is reviewed by first summarizing its introduction, genetics, biosynthesis and storage of catecholamine, then finally describing its metabolism. In the management of hospitalized sick patients with pheochromocytoma, if the clinician gets information about biochemical abnormalities in function of adrenal gland; it will not only help him for rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment but also for preventing the life threatening complications.