Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma

Abstract

To the Editor: The study by Duncan et al. (July 21 issue)¹ provides interesting data about a new method for the biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Unfortunately, the article includes little discussion of the points that must be addressed before others can adopt this method. Only one sentence is devoted to the complexity and cost (presumably high) of analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; even with newer, less expensive selective ion monitors, one of their recommended analytes is likely to cost much more than the current, relatively simple fluorometric or even high-performance liquid Chromatographic assays. There is no mention of a comparison . . .