Plasma chromogranin A levels are increased in a small portion of patients with hereditary head and neck paragangliomas

摘要: Summary Context  The majority of patients with head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGL) have biochemically silent tumours. Chromogranin A (CgA) is a tumour marker for neuroendocrine tumours. Objective  To assess the role CgA as in hereditary HNPGL. Patients Methods  We included 95 consecutive HNPGL screening plasma levels catecholamine excess by measurement 24-h urinary excretion (nor)metanephrine, (nor)adrenaline, VMA, dopamine 3-methoxytyramine. In all excess, abdominal/intrathoracic were excluded 123I-MIBG scintigraphy, MRI and/or CT. Results  Plasma increased only 15 (16%). Thirty-three (35%) had rates catecholamines. Six these 33 (18%) levels. Nine 62 (15%) tumour, i.e. no catecholamines or their metabolites, Increased positively correlated noradrenaline (r = 0·68, P = 0·005) normetanephrine P = 0·005). There was positive correlation between maximal diameter 57 single (r = 0·57, P = 0·001). Conclusions  are small portion limited additional value to combination radiological routine biochemical assessment HNPGL. associated noradrenergic activity size