Computed tomography and angiography in the evaluation of adrenal diseases

Computed tomography, adrenal venous blood sampling, phlebography and arteriography were compared as diagnostic methods in 50 proven cases of adrenal disease. The diagnostic accuracy was 90 per cent for CT, 100 per cent for adrenal venous sampling, 75 per cent for phlebography and 58 per cent for arteriography. It was necessary in some instances to correlate the findings for more than one modality to reach a correct diagnosis. From an analysis of the different examination methods a sequence in the radiologic evaluation of the pathologic adrenal gland is suggested. CT can be used to advantage as the primary imaging method. However, the other modalities, still play an important role.