Question

VMA is excreted in urine in which condition -

• A. Alkaptonuria
• B. Phenylketonuria
• C. Pheochromocytoma
• D. Diabetic ketoacidosis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the condition in which VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) is excreted in urine, we must first understand the context of VMA production in the body. VMA is a metabolite primarily associated with the breakdown of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Catecholamines are associated with the adrenal gland, and one of the conditions related to excessive catecholamine production is pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla. This tumor results in elevated levels of catecholamines, which are subsequently metabolized to VMA. As a result, an increased excretion of VMA in urine is a hallmark of pheochromocytoma.

Given the options:

• Alkaptonuria: This condition involves homogentisic acid accumulation, not VMA.
• Phenylketonuria: This condition involves phenylalanine metabolism but not catecholamine breakdown or VMA.
• Pheochromocytoma: As discussed, this is associated with increased VMA.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: This involves abnormalities in glucose metabolism, not specifically related to VMA.

Thus, the condition in which VMA is excreted in urine is Pheochromocytoma.