What is Vanillyl Mandelic Acid (VMA) -24 hrs Urine?

Also Known As: VMAU

Formal Name: Vanillylmandelic Acid urine

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is one of the breakdown products (metabolites) of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Epinephrine and norepinephrine belong to a group of similar hormones called catecholamines. This test measures the amount of VMA that is passed into the urine, typically over a 24-hour period, to detect excess epinephrine and norepinephrine. It is used to detect tumors called neuroblastomas and other neuroendocrine tumors.

Catecholamines are produced in the central portion of the adrenal glands, the adrenal medulla. Adrenal glands are small triangular organs located on top of each kidney. The primary catecholamines released are dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These hormones are released into the bloodstream in response to physical or emotional stress. They help transmit nerve impulses in the brain, increase glucose and fatty acid release for energy, dilate bronchioles, and dilate the pupils. Norepinephrine also constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure, and epinephrine increases heart rate and metabolism.

After completing their actions, the catecholamines are metabolized to inactive compounds. Dopamine becomes homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine breaks down into normetanephrine and VMA, and epinephrine becomes metanephrine and VMA. Both the hormones and their metabolites are eliminated from the body in the urine. VMA is usually present in the urine in small fluctuating amounts that only increase appreciably during and shortly after the body is exposed to a stressor.

Sometimes, tumors begin to form in the cells of the neuroendocrine system, which is made up of a combination of cells that produce hormones and nerve cells. These types of cells are found throughout the body in organs such as the lungs and the digestive system. Tumors that form in these cells are called neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumors, such as neuroblastomas and pheochromocytomas, can sometimes produce large amounts of catecholamines, resulting in greatly increased concentrations of the hormones and their metabolites. The hormone releases can cause illness and signs and symptoms, such as persistent hypertension, severe headaches, palpitations, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and tingling in the extremities.

Neuroblastomas are rare cancers, but they are the most common cancers affecting infants, according to the American Cancer Society. About 700 new cases are diagnosed each year, primarily in babies one to two years old, with up to 90% of cases occurring in children under the age of five. Rarely, a baby may be born with neuroblastoma. Arising from primitive nerve cells, these cancers can be found in the abdomen, adrenal glands, neck, chest, or pelvis. About two-thirds of the time, the tumors will have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body by the time they are diagnosed.

Once detected, many neuroblastomas can be successfully treated. In some cases, neuroblastomas may disappear without treatment. In other cases, their cells may spontaneously mature into normal nerves cells, turning the neuroblastoma into a benign ganglioneuroma or into a partially benign ganglioneuroblastoma.

Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors that arise primarily in the adrenal glands. According to the National Cancer Institute, they affect 2 to 8 people per million per year, primarily those in their thirties to fifties. Most pheochromocytomas are benign and do not spread from their original location, but some may metastasize and move to other organs within the body. Left untreated, they continue to grow and produce catecholamines, and hormone-related symptoms continue to worsen.

Over time, hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma may damage body organs, such as the kidneys and heart, and raise the risk of an affected person having a stroke or heart attack. Pheochromocytomas are important to diagnose because they represent a potentially curable form of hypertension. In most cases, they can be removed and/or treated to reduce or eliminate the associated symptoms and complications.

The VMA test, along with other tests for catecholamines and their metabolites, can be used to help detect the presence of neuroblastomas. The preferred tests for pheochromocytomas are plasma-free metanephrines, urine metanephrines, and urine or plasma catecholamine tests. However, the VMA test may still be ordered along with one or more of these tests to help detect and rule out pheochromocytoma.

How is the sample collected for testing?

For a 24-hour urine collection, all of the urine produced during a 24-hour period should be saved. It is important that the sample be refrigerated during this time period. A single urine sample is collected for a random urine test.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

This test is affected by caffeine, certain foods, certain drugs, and stress. It is important to inform your healthcare practitioner of any medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter products, and to follow any instructions provided for things to avoid before sample collection.