Elevated Vanillylmandelic Acid

Increased urinary excretion of this catecholamine metabolite above the reference limit (adult: 1-10 mg/24hours, adult random sample: 0-6 mg/g creatinin, children: 0-4 mg/24 hours), typically reflecting excess epinephrine/norepinephrine production. Possible causes are and catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors (pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, paraganglioma), trauma/burns/sepsis, medications (L-dopa, amphetamine, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitor) and foods (banana, coffee, vanilla, tea, chocolate).