Abstract
Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that typically originates in the adrenal glands, often causing the over-production of catecholamines. The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary status could affect the concentration of plasma-fractionated metanephrines. This study was conducted at the Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Royal Hospital, Oman. Three plasma samples were collected from each participant (16 male and 16 female) over three consecutive days (day one: dietary restriction,day two: excess intake of restricted foods, day three: random sample following the typical diet for each participant). Samples were collected and centrifuged to obtain the plasma, which was then stored at -20°C prior to analysis. Metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations were measured by comparative ELISA. Plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine measured under the three different dietary conditions for each individual were not significantly different and within normal range. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis of plasma concentration of metanephrines within individual patients under the three dietary conditions revealed positive correlation. We found no significant effect of dietary status on plasma metanephrine or normetanephrine concentration. Therefore, samples taken under any dietary condition may be used to determine plasma MN and NMN concentration. However, dietary restrictions in the diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma need further investigations.
