HVA
Also written as: HVA — Homovanillic Acid
Urinary catecholamine metabolite used as neuroblastoma tumor marker alongside VMA.
Full Definition
Homovanillic Acid (HVA) is a metabolite of dopamine found in elevated concentrations in the urine of patients with neuroblastoma and other catecholamine-secreting tumors. HVA measurement is routinely performed alongside VMA testing as part of the standard diagnostic workup for suspected neuroblastoma. The HVA/VMA ratio and absolute values help clinicians assess tumor burden, monitor treatment response, and detect disease recurrence during surveillance. Elevated HVA levels may persist longer than VMA in some patients following treatment, making serial monitoring important for detecting early relapse.
Usage
Usage note: Always report with VMA and specify age-adjusted reference ranges; note collection conditions.
In Context
- "The HVA/VMA ratio was within expected parameters for typical neuroblastoma presentation." — Diagnostic workup report
- "Serial HVA monitoring showed a gradual decline to normal ranges by cycle 4 of chemotherapy." — Treatment response assessment