What is a vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA)?
It is the breakdown product (metabolites) of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are hormones called catecholamines.
Also Read: Norepinephrine Test
What is a vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) urine test?
This test measures the amount of vanillyl mandelic acid in the urine.
This is typically a 24-hour urine test that helps in the screening of catecholamine-secreting tumors, such as ganglioneuroma and neuroblastoma.
What is the reference range of VMA?
- Adults: < 6.8 mg/24 hr.
- Newborn: < 1 mg/24 hr.
- Infant: < 2mg/24 hr.
- Child: 1-3 mg/24 hr.
- Adolescent: 1.5 mg/24 hr.
Why is a VMA test done?
This test is done to detect the tumor (neuroblastoma). This tumor is developed in the immature nerve cells in the adrenal glands, spinal cord, neck or chest. Neuroblastoma is commonly seen in young children.
If you have the symptoms of neuroblastoma in a child i.e.
- Abnormal swelling in the abdomen, neck or chest
- Bone pain
- Painless, bluish lumps under the skin
- Trouble breathing
- Bulging eyes
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Dark circles around the eyes
Other symptoms that are less seen in neuroblastoma are:
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Feeling tired
- Droopy eyelids
- Uncontrolled eye movements
What does a high VMA indicate?
The increased level of VMA indicates that you are suffering from such a condition.
- Severe stress
- Acute anxiety
- Ganglioneuroma
- Neuroblastoma
- Ganglioblastoma
- Pheochromocytoma (adrenal glands tumor)
What does a low VMA indicate?
The lower level of VMA is seen in such conditions like:
- In diabetes
- Parkinsonism
