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Chromogranin A (CgA) in adrenal tumours
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Abstract
Introduction: Adrenal tumours can produce specific hormones and cause characteristic symptoms. The majority of adrenal incidentalomas
are clinically silent, but some may be malignant or pose other potential threats to life.
Chromogranin A (CgA) is the main, nonspecific marker of neuroendocrine tumours (NET). In the adrenals, CgA is produced by chromaffin
cells localised in the adrenal medulla. Therefore its measurement in blood might be used as a screening test for pheochromocytoma
after the exclusion of other various causes of an increased CgA level.
The aim of our study was to investigate plasma CgA concentration in various adrenal tumours.
Material and methods: EDTA2K plasma samples were obtained from 195 patients with adrenal tumours and from 50 blood donors. CgA
was measured in plasma-EDTA2K by immunoradiometric (IRMA) method.
Results: In the majority of patients with adrenal tumours not derived from neuroendocrine cells (chromaffin cells), except those with
significant hypercortisolaemia and some patients with adrenal carcinoma, the plasma CgA concentrations were below the cut-off value.
In adrenal tumours derived from chromaffin cells (pheochromocytoma), CgA levels were markedly elevated.
Conclusion: In differential diagnosis of adrenal tumours, non-increased CgA level might be useful initial screening evidence for the
exclusion of pheochromocytoma.
(Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (5): 358–362)
Abstract
Introduction: Adrenal tumours can produce specific hormones and cause characteristic symptoms. The majority of adrenal incidentalomas
are clinically silent, but some may be malignant or pose other potential threats to life.
Chromogranin A (CgA) is the main, nonspecific marker of neuroendocrine tumours (NET). In the adrenals, CgA is produced by chromaffin
cells localised in the adrenal medulla. Therefore its measurement in blood might be used as a screening test for pheochromocytoma
after the exclusion of other various causes of an increased CgA level.
The aim of our study was to investigate plasma CgA concentration in various adrenal tumours.
Material and methods: EDTA2K plasma samples were obtained from 195 patients with adrenal tumours and from 50 blood donors. CgA
was measured in plasma-EDTA2K by immunoradiometric (IRMA) method.
Results: In the majority of patients with adrenal tumours not derived from neuroendocrine cells (chromaffin cells), except those with
significant hypercortisolaemia and some patients with adrenal carcinoma, the plasma CgA concentrations were below the cut-off value.
In adrenal tumours derived from chromaffin cells (pheochromocytoma), CgA levels were markedly elevated.
Conclusion: In differential diagnosis of adrenal tumours, non-increased CgA level might be useful initial screening evidence for the
exclusion of pheochromocytoma.
(Endokrynol Pol 2013; 64 (5): 358–362)
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Keywords
adrenal tumours; CgA; chromogranin A; neuroendocrine tumours; NET; pheochromocytoma
About this articleTitle
Chromogranin A (CgA) in adrenal tumours
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original paper
Pages
358-362
Published online
2013-11-01
Page views
2069
Article views/downloads
3567
DOI
10.5603/EP.2013.0018
Bibliographic record
Endokrynol Pol 2013;64(5):358-362.
Keywords
adrenal tumours
CgA
chromogranin A
neuroendocrine tumours
NET
pheochromocytoma
Authors
Piotr Glinicki
Wojciech Jeske
Lucyna Bednarek-Papierska
Anna Kasperlik-Załuska
Elżbieta Rosłonowska
Małgorzata Gietka-Czernel
Wojciech Zgliczyński
