Diagnostic evaluation of pheochromocytoma.

Progress in the diagnostic evaluation of pheochromocytoma has taken place in biochemical studies and localization techniques. Measurement of fractionated catecholamines and their metabolites has been subjected to sensitivity and specificity assessment. Magnetic resonance imaging and isotopic imaging have led to much better localization of extra-adrenal tumors. Flow cytometry of the DNA of the tumor cells very likely indicates the malignant nature of the tumor.