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Computed tomography evaluation of adrenal masses
D H Szolar1, C Schmidt-Kloiber, K W Preidler
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Graz, Austria.
Current Opinion in Urology
|March 22, 2000
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) accurately evaluates adrenal gland masses and hyperfunctioning conditions. Specific CT criteria, like attenuation values and contrast washout, distinguish adrenal adenomas from non-adenomas.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality for adrenal gland masses.
- Accurate characterization is crucial for patient management, especially in hyperfunctioning adrenal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of CT in diagnosing adrenal gland masses.
- To differentiate adrenal adenomas from non-adenomas using quantitative CT parameters.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of adrenal masses using unenhanced and delayed-enhanced CT scans.
- Assessment of Hounsfield unit (HU) attenuation and contrast material washout characteristics.
Main Results:
- Unenhanced CT: Attenuation ≤ 18 HU indicates adenoma with high specificity.
- Delayed-enhanced CT: Adrenal adenomas show greater contrast washout than non-adenomas.
- Non-adenomas exhibit significantly higher attenuation on delayed-enhanced CT compared to adenomas.
Conclusions:
- CT is highly accurate for adrenal mass evaluation and localization.
- Quantitative CT parameters effectively differentiate adrenal adenomas from non-adenomas.
- CT aids in diagnosing specific adrenal pathologies like hemorrhage, myelolipoma, cysts, and Addison's disease.