Pentagastrin stimulation of calcitonin in pheochromocytoma does not always indicate multiple endocrine neoplasia type II.
The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in a 48-year-old man was confirmed by elevated catecholamine secretion and a left adrenal mass on computerized tomography. Because of a plausible family history for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II, a calcitonin level was determined which was elevated, and pentagastrin stimulation caused a 235% increase. These findings normalized following surgical removal of the single adrenal tumor. It is concluded that pentagastrin stimulation of calcitonin is not necessarily diagnostic of medullary thyroid carcinoma, and such a response in a patient presenting with pheochromocytoma may not indicate underlying Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II.
Hein
M D
MD
Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
Monchik
J M
JM
Jackson
I M
IM
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009377:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010418:Pentagastrin; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism
D002116:Calcitonin; D010418:Pentagastrin