MR imaging of the adrenal glands

MR imaging provides an excellent morphologic depiction of normal and abnormal adrenal glands. Although CT scanning remains the primary imaging technique for detecting adrenal lesions, MR imaging is being used increasingly for characterization of adrenal masses. Chemical shift imaging is the most recent MR technique to be evaluated for distinguishing benign from malignant masses, and it appears to be the most reliable; however, further validation of this technique is necessary. In most clinical situations, adrenal lesions thought to be malignant on the basis of MR criteria should still be biopsied. MR imaging is also a useful problem-solving technique after equivocal CT scanning or sonography.