Workshop 4

Catecholamine oddities explained

Dr Bill Bartlett

Phaeochromocytoma has been given the epithet of “the great mimic” since it’s presentation can be confused with that of many other diseases. Studies have shown that there are often very long lead-in times from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of the disease. The reasons for this delay may be multi-factorial, but it is evident that biochemistry plays a critical role in the diagnostic process and that a flexible approach to investigations is required to maximise diagnostic efficiency.

This workshop will use cases to discuss some of the practical issues around diagnosis of the disease. Find out why the disease has an adverse effect on the blood pressure of both patients and investigators. Why do the most difficult cases present on Christmas Eve, Friday evenings and May the 18th?