A Multimodality Review of Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal tumors are very commonly encountered in the practice of radiology. They may arise from the adrenal gland itself, either the cortex or the medulla, or they could be secondary lesions. They may be benign or malignant. The functioning adrenal tumors lead to hypersecretion of adrenal hormones leading to clinical syndromes. Computed tomography is the most common imaging modality used for the initial evaluation of adrenal tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging and functional scintigraphic techniques are frequently used for atypical presentations or further evaluation. We present a multimodality review of common and uncommon adrenal tumors. We highlight their characteristic and specific imaging features which help us in making a diagnosis and suggesting an appropriate follow up for further management. The spectrum of adrenal tumors is wide with varying appearances on different imaging modalities. Imaging techniques used for adrenal tumor imaging have their own strengths and weaknesses as it relates to the final diagnosis. It is important to be familiar with imaging characteristics of adrenal tumors for appropriate diagnosis and management. Differentiation of benign (leave alone) tumors from malignant (surgical) ones along with appropriate disposition of incidentalomas are some of the challenges facing the radiologist.