Narrow gauge needle aspiration of solid adrenal masses

Percutaneous aspiration biopsy of solid adrenal masses was performed without complication in 14 patients. CT guidance of 20-22 gauge needles was used in all but one of the biopsies. Diagnostic cytologic material was recovered in 13 (93%) of the 14 cases. The diagnoses were primary and metastatic neoplasms (10 cases), benign adenomas (two cases), and a mycotic abscess. Twelve additional aspirations were performed of surgically resected or autopsy specimens in six normal adrenals, one adenoma, three adrenal cortical carcinomas, a pheochromocytoma, and a sarcoma arising in the adrenal stoma. Percutaneous aspiration of solid adrenal masses is recommended as a safe, reliable alternative to open surgical biopsy for both benign and malignant adrenal disease.