[Imaging of adrenal incidentalomas]

Imaging plays an important role in evaluating fortuitously discovered adrenal masses. These unanticipated masses (incidentalomas) are usually discovered at CT examinations. Although most incidentally discovered adrenal tumors are non-hyperfunctioning adenomas, they must be distinguished from primary or secondary malignant lesions. Recent studies have established that both unenhanced CT scans and chemical shift MR imaging can accurately differentiate benign adenomas from nonadenomatous masses by features that reflect the large amount of lipid found in most adenomas and absent in most nonadenomas. We review here the current imaging issues concerning adrenal incidentalomas including diagnostic approaches and management.