Spiral CT in diagnosis of adrenal tumors

Objective: To summarize the CT features of adrenal tumors and to assess the value of spiral CT in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease.Methods: The CT findings of 28 cases with pathologically proved adrenal tumors were analyzed retrospectively and the key points in diagnosis were presented.Results: Six cases had adenoma of middle size and density;4 had adenocarcinoma with irregular mass of uneven density and central low-density necrosis;9 cases had pheochromocytoma with a larger mass of heterogeneous density with marked enhancement;3 cases of myelolipoma were characterized by low density areas for fat contents;5 cases of metastasis,almost all of which resulted from the pulmonary cancer,displayed a round or irregular mass of heterogeneous density with middle-level enhancement;1 case of adrenal cyst presented low and heterogeneous density with thin and regular cyst wall.Conclusions: Adrenal tumors have certain CT characteristic signs.CT findings combined with clinical and laboratory data can provide correct diagnosis.