MR imaging of pheochromocytomas

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of seven patients with pheochromocytomas demonstrable by CT was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed all primary pheochromocytomas, as well as metastatic lesions to the thorax, retroperitoneum, and liver. The ability to distinguish pheochromocytomas from surrounding structures without the need of an intravenous contrast agent and to provide direct coronal and sagittal images suggests that MRI may be useful in detecting and localizing these tumors.