Computed tomographic, magnetic resonance, and monoclonal antibody imaging of endocrine tumors

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and monoclonal antibody imaging in endocrine tumor evaluation are reviewed. Computed tomography is a mature technology whose role has not changed recently. Magnetic resonance imaging is continuing to advance in scan techniques, scan time reduction, and use of intravenous contrast agents; its future role on a routine basis may allow it to supplant computed tomography in endocrine tumor identification. Monoclonal antibody imaging has not yet proven to be as reliably diagnostic for tumor identification as is computed tomography, but continuing technical advances predict an advancing role for diagnosing endocrine tumors with this modality.