Computed tomographic and ultrasonic localization of adrenal mass lesions

A study of 20 patients with adrenal mass lesions shown on computed tomography (CT) is reported. CT accurately localized a unilateral adrenal mass in 12 patients with Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism and phaeochromocytoma. Unsuspected primary or metastatic neoplasms of the adrenal glands were detected in 8 patients who underwent CT for other reasons. In 9 cases ultrasonography was also useful in localizing large adrenal masses. This study confirms the safety and accuracy of CT and ultrasonography in evaluating patients with adrenal masses, thereby obviating the need for more invasive diagnostic procedures.