[Imaging methods in diagnosis of pheochromocytoma]

In the radiological evaluation of adrenal masses today computed tomography (CT) has the highest sensitivity of all imaging modalities for tumor detection. In addition, CT is able to assess potential concomitant processes in the surrounding tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice, when adrenal masses cannot be differentiated by CT. When chemical-shift imaging, fat-suppression, and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences are used for tissue characterization, pheochromocytomas can be distinguished from adenomas. Due to the multiplanar imaging ability MRI is optimal for the preoperative work-up of the anatomical situation in patients with adrenal masses. Extraadrenal paragangliomas can be assessed with MRI, too. Ultrasound is of minor relevance in the assessment of pheochromocytomas and other adrenal masses, as is angiography, which is only carried out in special cases to evaluate the vascular supply.