Vanilillmandelsyre

Vanilillmandelsyre, also known as vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), is a chemical compound that is a metabolite of catecholamines, particularly epinephrine and norepinephrine. In the human body, these neurotransmitters are broken down through various enzymatic pathways, and VMA is one of the final products excreted in the urine. Its structure is characterized by a benzene ring substituted with a hydroxyl group, a methoxy group, and a carboxylic acid group.

The primary significance of vanillylmandelic acid lies in its role as a biomarker. Measuring VMA levels in urine is a common diagnostic tool for certain types of tumors that produce excessive amounts of catecholamines. The most prominent example is neuroblastoma, a cancer that originates in nerve cells. Other tumors, such as pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) and ganglioneuroma, can also lead to elevated VMA levels. Historically, VMA measurement was a cornerstone in the diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions. While newer and more specific diagnostic methods have emerged, VMA testing remains a valuable and accessible tool in many clinical settings. Deviations from normal VMA ranges can indicate the presence of these catecholamine-secreting tumors.