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A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Addison's disease due to adrenal tuberculosis: MRI features
Xiao-Chun Zhang1, Zhi-Gang Yang, Yuan Li
1Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37# Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
Abdominal Imaging
|January 9, 2008
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reveals characteristic findings in adrenal tuberculosis, a condition previously unreported with MR. This study highlights MR
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Adrenal tuberculosis (TB) findings on MR imaging have not been previously documented.
- Adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease, can be caused by tuberculosis.
- The study aimed to define MR characteristics of adrenal TB and assess MR's diagnostic utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the specific MR imaging characteristics of tuberculous Addison's disease.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MR imaging as a diagnostic tool for adrenal tuberculosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MR imaging in 18 patients with confirmed adrenal tuberculosis.
- Inclusion of conventional T1- and T2-weighted images; contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images in 10 patients.
- Blind evaluation of MR findings: location, contour, signal intensity, and enhancement patterns.
Main Results:
- Clinical presentation included hyperpigmentation, lethargy, weight loss, dehydration, and hypotension.
- Adrenal glands were enlarged in 97% of cases, often bilateral (89%), with mass-like appearance in 61%.
- MR showed T2 hypo/iso-signal intensity in the central region (62%) and peripheral rim enhancement post-contrast in 83% of enlarged glands.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates distinct pathological changes associated with adrenal tuberculosis.
- MR imaging is recommended as a valuable modality for diagnosing adrenal tuberculosis.
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