[Radiologic differential diagnosis of adrenal gland cysts]

Cystic diseases of the adrenal glands, which were thought to be rare, are being found more frequently nowadays by means of sonography and computer tomography. Our experience of fifteen cases is reported; of these, ten were confirmed at operation. Contrary to expectations based on the relevant literature, only one of the operated cases proved to be an endothelial cyst of lymphangiomatous origin. All other patients had pseudo-cysts of the adrenals. These are due to bleeding into a normal or tumour-containing gland. About one quarter of the pseudo cysts showed circular calcification on the plain films, although the incidence of this is given as 8-15% in the literature. The cystic nature of these lesions can be readily demonstrated by ultrasound or CT. The latter also provided information concerning the wall of the cyst and of the remaining adrenal tissue. An aspiration biopsy of the cyst can be carried out under ultrasound or CT control; cytological examination will confirm the benign nature of the lesion. A benign lesion without symptoms requires no further diagnostic or therapeutic measures. If there is hypertension, as may occur with a cystic phäeochromocytoma or lymphangioma, angiography is still indicated. Hormone assays are possible following catheterisation of the vena cava combined with adrenal phlebography. The origin and extent of a malignant pseudo-cyst can be demonstrated by arteriography, if this information is lacking following CT.