Vanillylmandelic Acid, Urine Unit Converter

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is the main breakdown product of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These hormones are released by the adrenal glands and nervous system in response to stress.

This urine test measures how much VMA your body is excreting, typically over a 24-hour period. It helps detect tumors that produce excess catecholamines, particularly neuroblastoma in children and pheochromocytoma in adults.

VMA is usually present in urine in small amounts that fluctuate based on stress exposure. Abnormally high levels may indicate a catecholamine-secreting tumor.

VMA is produced throughout the body wherever epinephrine and norepinephrine are metabolized. These catecholamines originate primarily from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system, then are broken down by enzymes into VMA before being excreted in urine.