Normal urinary excretion of catecholamine catabolites in children with retinoblastoma.

Urinary catecholamine catabolites, homovanillic acid, vanillylmandelic acid, total metanephrines, and total catecholamines were assayed in 12 patients with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma prior to surgery and treatment. These values were within normal limits for the ages of all 12 patients, including one with metastases to brain, liver, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. The predictive value and efficiency of these tests in the diagnosis of retinoblastoma are insufficient to warrant their continued use on a routine basis.