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Adrenal cysts: imaging and percutaneous aspiration
G A Tung1, R C Pfister, N Papanicolaou
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Radiology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Primary adrenal cysts can be managed with aspiration instead of surgery. This approach aids in diagnosis and treatment for indeterminate or symptomatic adrenal cysts, potentially avoiding surgical excision.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Adrenal cysts are rare, and their optimal management remains debated.
- Distinguishing benign from potentially malignant adrenal lesions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of percutaneous aspiration for primary adrenal cysts.
- To assess the feasibility of cyst aspiration as an alternative to surgical excision.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of six patients with primary adrenal cysts over three years.
- Utilized various imaging modalities, including MRI.
- Performed percutaneous aspiration on four cysts, with cytologic analysis.
Main Results:
- Cholesterol and cortisol were detected in aspirated fluids.
- All five aspirated cysts showed benign cytologic findings.
- Two cysts required surgical excision, one after fluid reaccumulation post-aspiration.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous aspiration can be a valuable initial step for diagnosing and managing indeterminate or symptomatic adrenal cysts.
- Complete cyst aspiration may obviate the need for surgical intervention in select cases.
- This minimally invasive approach offers a potential alternative to surgery for adrenal cysts.