Interpretation

In the normal population, plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels are low, but in patients with pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas, the concentrations may be significantly elevated. This is due to the relatively long half-life of these compounds, ongoing secretion by the tumors and, to a lesser degree, peripheral conversion of tumor-secreted catecholamines into metanephrines.

Measurement of plasma free metanephrines appears to be the best test for excluding pheochromocytoma. The test's sensitivity approaches 100%, making it extremely unlikely that individuals with normal plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels suffer from pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.(1,2)

Due to the low prevalence of pheochromocytomas and related tumors (<1:100,000), it is recommended to confirm elevated plasma free metanephrines with a second, different testing strategy in order to avoid large numbers of false-positive test results.(3) The recommended second-line test is measurement of fractionated 24-hour urinary metanephrines (METAF / Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24 Hour, Urine). In most cases this strategy will suffice in confirming or excluding the diagnosis. Occasionally, it will be necessary to extend this approach if there is a very high clinical index of suspicion or if test results are nonconclusive. In these cases, repeat plasma and urinary metanephrines testing, additional measurement of plasma or urinary catecholamines, or imaging procedures might be indicated.

Elevated results are reported with appropriate comments.