[Computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of hypocorticism]

A comprehensive study of 52 patients with hypocorticism was conducted. Some of them were examined using the method of computerized tomography (CT) which provided important evidence for the diagnosis of hypocorticism, assessment of its etiology and differential diagnosis of the process. 12 of 16 patients demonstrated changes which were characteristic for hypocorticism: in 4 patients (no signs of tuberculous involvement of the adrenals) a decrease in their sizes with the preserved regular shape was noted, in 8 patients (with clinicolaboratory findings of tuberculous involvement) enlarged sizes, bilateral deformity of the contours and the presence of petrificates were detected. The authors presented some differential-diagnostic CT signs of tuberculous and metastatic involvement of the adrenals having some features in common.