Dopamine-B-hydroxylase and catecholamines in an olfactory esthesioneuroma.

In a case of olfactory esthesioneuroma, of which an unfixed specimen and blood sample were available, we demonstrated immunohistochemically and biochemically the presence of dopamine-B-hydroxylase and catecholamines in low concentration. This result indicates that this nasal tumor is probably of sympathetic origin, in whole or in part, and provides a new aid in diagnosis. Furthermore, biochemical assay of dopamine, V.M.A., and H.V.A. excretion in urine could perhaps bring information of diagnostic and prognostic value before and after treatment.