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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome): MR imaging findings
S A Sohaib1, P D Peppercorn, C Allan
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Dominion House, 59 Bartholomew's Close, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE, UK. S.A.Sohaib@mds.qmw.ac.uk
Radiology
|February 15, 2000
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively detects aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) in primary hyperaldosteronism with high specificity. Chemical shift imaging aids in identifying intracellular lipid in both APA and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH).
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Primary hyperaldosteronism is a common cause of secondary hypertension.
- Accurate diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is crucial for appropriate treatment.
- Distinguishing APA from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of adrenal glands in primary hyperaldosteronism.
- To evaluate the efficacy of MR imaging in detecting and characterizing APA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 20 patients with primary hyperaldosteronism who underwent 1.5-T MR imaging.
- Utilized T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and chemical shift imaging sequences.
- Correlated MR imaging findings with biochemical tests, venous sampling, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- MR imaging demonstrated 70% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 85% accuracy in detecting APA.
- Aldosterone-producing adenomas appeared iso- or hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images.
- Chemical shift imaging showed signal intensity decrease in out-of-phase images for both APA and BAH, indicating intracellular lipid.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is highly specific for detecting aldosterone-producing adenoma.
- Chemical shift imaging reveals intracellular lipid in both APA and BAH, similar to non-functioning adenomas.
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