vanillylmandelic acid

views updated

vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) (van-i-lil-man-del-ik) n. a metabolite of catecholamines excreted in abnormal amounts in the urine in conditions of excess catecholamine production, such as phaeochromocytoma. Measurement of VMA levels can be used as a screening test for phaeochromocytoma.