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Multiplane tomography can be employed successfully to image the adrenal glands after the intravenous administration of 6 beta-131I-iodomethyl-19-nor cholest-5(10)-en-3 beta-ol (NP-59). The tomographic display allows separation of the adrenal glands from other organs that often obscure the adrenal image when gamma cameras are used and the depth of the adrenal glands may be determined without obtaining lateral views.
Forty-one patients with or without adrenocortical disorders were studied to evaluate the clinical usefulness of SPECT in adrenal imaging with I-131 Adosterol. In the SPECT images from this study, all glands with either normally functioning or hyperfunctioning adrenal cortices could be detected, while those glands with hypofunctioning adrenal cortices could not be detected. Particularly in transaxial and sagittal slices, the adrenal gland was identified posteriorly and was clearly distinguished from the gallbladder. In preliminary results using SPECT by a standard method, uptake in 68 detectable glands ranged from 1.7% to 4.9% in four glands with Cushing's syndrome, from 1.1% to 1.3% in seven glands with primary aldosteronism, and were distributed below 1.0% in the remaining glands with normally functioning adrenal cortices. These data show that it is possible to evaluate the adrenocortical functioning status simply by analyzing the SPECT images of the adrenal.
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The findings at computed tomography (CT) of the adrenal glands in 58 patients are presented. Most patients (50) were referred for suspected adrenal dysfunction. In three, adrenal masses were suspected from other radiological studies. Three patients had palpable abdominal masses, and incidental adrenal metastases were found in two. Pathological findings included pheochromocytomas (nine patients), adrenocortical adenomas (six), adrenocortical carcinomas (three), metastases (two), and one example each of myelolipoma, hemorrhagic renal cyst, and probable granuloma. Of 24 adrenal masses, 23 were clearly apparent in the scans and one was suspected. The smallest tumor diagnosed was 0.5 cm in diameter. There was on false positive diagnosis of a small tumor and no known false negatives. Because of their consistent location and unusual shape and because they are usually surrounded by retroperitoneal fat, the adrenal glands are ideal organs for study by CT, a highly accurate method for detecting and excluding mass lesions that may render arteriography and venography unnecessary. Surgery was performed in five patients with tumors following localization by CT only. Limitations and potential diagnostic pitfalls in interpretation are discussed.
A case of bilateral pheochromocytoma presenting as primarily cystic suprarenal masses is reported. The computed tomographic manifestations, possible etiology, and differential diagnosis of these cystic suprarenal lesions are discussed.
Computed tomography was used to study 31 enlarged adrenal glands in 26 patients. The specific diagnoses were: 12 metastases, 7 pheochromocytomas, 7 adenomas, 2 carcinomas, 2 adrenal hemorrhages, and 1 cyst. Enlarged adrenal glands were frequently found to have an elongated, ovoid cross-sectional appearance. Twenty-four of the 31 adrenal glands (77%) had a length to width ratio of 1.2 or greater. The limited space available for uniform concentric expansion of of the enlarging gland appears to be the chief factor causing adrenal masses to assume an ovoid shape. Inasmuch as the upper pole of the unenhanced kidney and the inferior vena cava may both exhibit a similar cross-sectional appearance, cognizance of the potential ovoid configuration of the enlarged adrenal gland should facilitate detection of adrenal masses.
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Positioning the patient on the side to be biopsied elevates and relatively immobilizes the diaphragmatic leaf on the dependent side, allowing percutaneous adrenal needle biopsy by a direct posterior approach without traversing lung tissue. The ipsilateral decubitus position was used successfully for biopsy of four small adrenal lesions in which lung precluded a direct posterior approach in the prone position. In addition, the relative stability of the diaphragmatic leaf further facilitated accurate needle placement.
In two patients with miliary tuberculosis the diagnosis was first suggested with CT and then proven by histology in both and bacteriology in one case: Adrenal involvement was demonstrated with unilateral and bilateral enlargement, respectively.
Adrenal hemorrhage secondary to metastases is uncommon. We have encountered four such cases that presented as large adrenal masses. In all cases the CT findings were of an inhomogeneous mixed-density adrenal mass with extensive perirenal changes suggestive of perirenal hemorrhage or mass. When such a lesion is seen, hemorrhagic adrenal metastases should be considered. Fluid may be of high density, suggestive of hemorrhage. However, as the adrenal is in the perinephric space, hemorrhage from any cause (trauma, metastases, or anticoagulant) in the adrenal gland will gravitate into the perinephric space.
We report the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with a mass 3 x 4 cm in size located in the right adrenal gland together with extreme hypertension, tripled urine levels for normetanephrine, and normal plasmatic levels of metanephrines. The patient had suffered a fall from a height of 2.5 meters before hospitalization. [123I]MIBG-scan was repeatedly positive in the area of the right adrenal gland. At laparotomy under alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, the suspected pheochromocytoma was histologically confirmed as hematoma. After resection of the adrenal gland, blood pressure returned to normal without drug therapy as did metanephrine levels in urine. Although adrenal insufficiency after distension of the gland caused by hemorrhage has been reported, there are no data available regarding the mimicking of a hormonally active pheochromocytoma. We conclude that intra-adrenal pressure rise caused by hematoma may cause partial ischemic necrosis to the gland but may also induce reactive hyperplasia with periodic excessive secretion of catecholamines. This interpretation is consistent with the finding that plasma levels of catecholamines were normal in contrast to the urinary normetanephrines in the presented case. It might be worthwhile to investigate patients with intra-adrenal hemorrhage immediately after sustaining multiple injuries and in the posttraumatic course of several months up to 1 or more years together with verification of abnormal urinary excretion of metanephrines as a sign of impaired adrenal function.
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An adrenal "mass" was discovered radiologically during a hypertensive evaluation. Because of the patient's labile hypertension, the mass was interpreted as a pheochromocytoma. Only at operation was the cystic and benign nature of the lesion appreciated. Pathologically, it proved to be a simple pseudocyst.