Radiology, Vol 171, 675-680, Copyright © 1989 by Radiological Society of North America

ARTICLES

Adrenal masses: evaluation with fast gradient-echo MR imaging and Gd- DTPA-enhanced dynamic studies

GP Krestin, W Steinbrich and G Friedmann
Department of Radiology, University of Cologne Medical School, Federal Republic of Germany.

Fast gradient-echo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of 38 adrenal masses with proved diagnosis was performed during suspended respiration with various repetition times (TRs), echo times (TEs), and flip angles. Dynamic perfusion studies after gadolinium diethylenetriamine- pentaacetic acid (DTPA) administration were performed by repeated imaging at short time intervals. With more T2 weighting (TR = 60 msec, TE = 30 msec, and flip angle = 15 degrees), malignant tumors and pheochromocytomas had a significantly higher relative signal intensity than adenomas; overlap of signal intensity led to equivocal findings in nine cases. After administration of Gd-DTPA, adenomas showed only mild enhancement and quick washout; malignant tumors and pheochromocytomas showed strong enhancement and slower washout. Five of the nine cases that were equivocal in precontrast images could thus be correctly classified. In addition to this improved classification of adrenal masses, fast, dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging resulted in a reduction in total examination time.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. Happel, G. Heinz-Peer, D. H. Szolar, and M. T. Korobkin Enhancement Characteristics of Pheochromocytomas Radiology, January 1, 2006; 238(1): 373 - 374. [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. M. Elsayes, G. Mukundan, V. R. Narra, J. S. Lewis Jr, A. Shirkhoda, A. Farooki, and J. J. Brown Adrenal Masses: MR Imaging Features with Pathologic Correlation RadioGraphics, October 1, 2004; 24(suppl_1): S73 - S86. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. Mansmann, J. Lau, E. Balk, M. Rothberg, Y. Miyachi, and S. R. Bornstein The Clinically Inapparent Adrenal Mass: Update in Diagnosis and Management Endocr. Rev., April 1, 2004; 25(2): 309 - 340. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				I. Ilias and K. Pacak Current Approaches and Recommended Algorithm for the Diagnostic Localization of Pheochromocytoma J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., February 1, 2004; 89(2): 479 - 491. [Full Text] [PDF]

				F. Fujiyoshi, M. Nakajo, Y. Fukukura, and S. Tsuchimochi Characterization of Adrenal Tumors by Chemical Shift Fast Low-Angle Shot MR Imaging: Comparison of Four Methods of Quantitative Evaluation Am. J. Roentgenol., June 1, 2003; 180(6): 1649 - 1657. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. R. Dunnick and M. Korobkin Imaging of Adrenal Incidentalomas: Current Status Am. J. Roentgenol., September 1, 2002; 179(3): 559 - 568. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Korobkin CT Characterization of Adrenal Masses: The Time Has Come Radiology, December 1, 2000; 217(3): 629 - 632. [Full Text]

				M. N. Hood, V. B. Ho, J. G. Smirniotopoulos, and J. Szumowski Chemical Shift: The Artifact and Clinical Tool Revisited RadioGraphics, March 1, 1999; 19(2): 357 - 371. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. H. Newhouse, C. S. Heffess, B. J. Wagner, T. J. Imray, C. F. Adair, and A. J. Davidson Large Degenerated Adrenal Adenomas: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation Radiology, February 1, 1999; 210(2): 385 - 391. [Abstract] [Full Text]