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    Radiographics. 2009 Sep-Oct;29(5):1333-51.

    Adrenal mass imaging with multidetector CT: pathologic conditions, pearls, and pitfalls.

    Johnson PT, Horton KM, Fishman EK.

    Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiologic Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 N Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. pjohnso5@jhmi.edu

    The adrenal gland is involved by a range of neoplasms, including primary and metastatic malignant tumors; however, the most common tumor detected is the incidental benign adenoma. Although computed tomographic (CT) findings will not always yield a definitive diagnosis, attention to these findings provides a road map to guide image interpretation. Adenomas typically demonstrate rapid washout, which is defined as an absolute percentage washout (APW) of more than 60% and a relative percentage washout (RPW) of more than 40% on delayed images. Adrenocortical carcinoma typically has an RPW of less than 40%; however, large size and heterogeneity are more reliable indicators of the diagnosis than are washout values. Washout characteristics of pheochromocytoma are variable; in conjunction with high levels of dynamic enhancement, pheochromocytomas may mimic adenoma (ie, APW > 60%, RPW > 40%). Myelolipomas appear as well-defined masses with variable quantities of fat and soft tissue. After contrast material administration, metastases usually demonstrate slower washout on delayed images (APW < 60%, RPW < 40%) than do adenomas, although hypervascular metastases may enhance similarly to pheochromocytoma. Finally, a number of nonadrenal pathologic conditions have been reported to mimic adrenal masses at CT. (c) RSNA, 2009.

    PMID: 19755599 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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