title: Adrenal lesions: spectrum of imaging findings with emphasis on multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: The adrenal gland is a common site of a large spectrum of abnormalities like primary tumors, hemorrhage, metastases, and enlargement of the gland from external hormonal stimulation. Most of these lesions represent nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas and thus warrant a conservative management. Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are still considered highly specific and complementary techniques for the detection and characterization of adrenal abnormalities. Radiologist can establish a definitive diagnosis for most adrenal masses (i.e., carcinoma, hemorrhage) based on imaging alone. Imaging therefore can differentiate malignant lesions from those benign and avoid unnecessary aggressive management of benign lesions. The article gives an overview of the adrenal lesions and their imaging characteristics seen on CT and MR imaging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guerrisi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke North-Room 1417, Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marin
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy.
authors.forename: Mahbubeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baski
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guerrisi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Capozza
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, Rome, 00161, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Catalano
keywords: Adenoma; Adrenal; adrenocortical carcinoma; computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging