Adrenal imaging (Part 1): Imaging techniques and primary cortical lesions

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Radiology

Background:

• Adrenal glands are susceptible to diverse primary and secondary lesions.
• Primary adrenal lesions originate from the cortex or medulla.
• Functional status of adrenal lesions aids in diagnosis and workup.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review adrenal imaging techniques.
• To discuss adrenal cortical tumors, including adenomas, adrenocortical tumors, adrenal hyperplasia, and oncocytomas.

Main Methods:

• Review of current imaging modalities for adrenal lesions.
• Classification and description of adrenal cortical neoplasms and hyperplasias.

Main Results:

• Advanced imaging enhances diagnostic accuracy and non-invasive characterization of adrenal lesions.
• Specific imaging features aid in differentiating various adrenal cortical lesions.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a crucial role in the non-invasive evaluation of adrenal lesions.
• Understanding imaging characteristics is key for diagnosing adrenal cortical tumors and hyperplasia.