Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Adrenal ganglioneuroma
Sylvie Maweja1, Roland Materne, Nancy Detrembleur
1Department of Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital, Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium. smaweja@chu.ulg.ac.be <smaweja@chu.ulg.ac.be>
American Journal of Surgery
|October 16, 2007
Summary
Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare tumors. Key imaging features like calcifications and specific MRI signals can help diagnose these adrenal incidentalomas, distinguishing them from more aggressive cancers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Adrenal incidentalomas require careful evaluation to differentiate benign from malignant lesions.
- Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare, benign tumors of the adrenal medulla.
- Distinguishing adrenal ganglioneuromas from adrenal carcinomas can be challenging based on initial imaging.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 8 adrenal ganglioneuromas was conducted.
- Data included hormonal status, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological findings.
- The study aimed to identify characteristic features of adrenal ganglioneuromas.
Findings:
- No hormonal hypersecretion was observed in any cases.
- CT revealed calcifications, absence of vessel involvement, and low non-enhanced attenuation (<40 HU).
- MRI showed low T1 signal, heterogeneous high T2 signal, and gradual late enhancement, often with a whorled pattern.
Implications:
- The presence of multiple characteristic radiological features should prompt consideration of adrenal ganglioneuroma.
- Accurate diagnosis aids in appropriate patient management and avoids unnecessary aggressive treatment.
- Understanding these imaging patterns improves diagnostic accuracy for adrenal incidentalomas.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:27Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
01:17Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
01:24Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
01:19Sympathetic Division of the ANS
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in preparing the body for stress, physical activity, and increased energy demands. This division activates the "fight-or-flight" response, enabling individuals to respond effectively to challenging situations.
Originating in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments, the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division exit the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans. They then enter the sympathetic...
Originating in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord segments, the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic division exit the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans. They then enter the sympathetic...