Levin RJ, Hamill NJ, Grenko RT, Huang MY, Fedok FG. Dopamine-secreting glomus vagale: a case report and histopathologic correlation.
Head Neck 1998;
20:753-7. [PMID:
9790299 DOI:
10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199812)20:8<753::aid-hed15>3.0.co;2-v]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Catecholamine secretion by head and neck paragangliomas is uncommon. Dopamine secretion by these tumors has not routinely been assessed. This case report describes a dopamine-secreting glomus vagale and evaluates seven other paragangliomas immunohistochemically for their ability to synthesize dopamine.
METHODS
Light microscopic and immunohistochemical studies were performed on eight tumors, and biochemical testing for serum/urine catecholamines was performed on two patients.
RESULTS
One patient (case report) had elevated serum dopamine which corrected following surgery. Five tumors stained strongly positive for the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase, the critical enzyme in the biosynthesis of dopamine.
CONCLUSION
This case report describes the ability of a glomus vagale to secrete dopamine. Other paragangliomas express the enzymatic machinery necessary to begin catecholamine synthesis. Now that dopamine is routinely screened during catecholamine determination, other cases may be identified.
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