Pheochromocytoma other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmad Al Maradni, M.D. [2]
Overview
Clonidine suppression test may be used in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.
Other Diagnostic Studies
Clonidine suppresion test was used to diagnose pheochromocytoma, a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist used to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine mimics catecholamines in the brain, causing it to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves controlling the adrenal medulla. A healthy adrenal medulla will respond to the Clonidine suppression test by reducing catecholamine production; however, the lack of a response is evidence of pheochromocytoma.