[The differentiation of adrenal gland tumors: an improvement in accuracy by a combination of fat-sensitive, T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced MR sequences].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the diagnostic value of 3 MR sequences for the diagnosis of adrenal tumors.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of 32 adrenal tumors (10 malignant, 15 adenomas, 5 inflammatory, 2 phaeochromocytomas) examined by MRT (1.5 T) using T2 turbo spin echo, chemical shift imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced gradient echo sequences.


RESULTS
Differentiation between malignant and benign adrenal tumours by means of T2-weighted sequences, chemical shift imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences achieved a sensitivity/specificity of 90%/73%, 100%/68% and 90%86%. Accuracy was 78%, 78% and 87%. By combining the three procedures, sensitivity/specificity/accuracy was improved to 100%/91%/94%.


CONCLUSIONS
To differentiate adrenal lesions, the following procedures are recommended: demonstration of fat by chemical shift imaging is indicative of an adenoma. In the absence of any lipid content, T2-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences can demonstrate inflammatory lesions.
Zimmermann
G G
GG
Departement Medizinische Radiologie, Universitätsspital Zürich.
Debatin
J F
JF
Krestin
G P
GP
D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014383:Tuberculosis, Endocrine / Q000175:diagnosis
D003287:Contrast Media