How does pheochromocytoma show up on CT?
Pheochromocytomas are usually solid when small but may appear as fatty, cystic, or calcified adrenal masses. They can be of sufficiently low attenuation at CT to be mistaken for an adenoma and may also mimic lipid-rich adenomas on unenhanced and washout studies.
Can a CT scan miss an adrenal tumor?
In rare cases, a patient may have symptoms of a hormone-producing tumor, but CT or MRI scans may not identify a tumor or the patient may have small masses on both adrenal glands. In cases like this, an interventional radiologist can test the blood from the veins of each adrenal gland.
Can pheochromocytoma be missed?
Fortunately, once suspected, appropriate biochemical testing now makes it unlikely that the presence of a catecholamine-producing tumor will be missed.
Can MRI detect pheochromocytoma?
MRI has a reported sensitivity of up to 100% in detecting adrenal pheochromocytomas, does not require contrast, and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. MRI is also superior to CT scanning for detecting extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas.
How is pheochromocytoma detected?
These tests may include:
- CT scan, a specialized X-ray technology.
- MRI , which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed images.
- M-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging, a scanning technology that can detect tiny amounts of an injected radioactive compound taken up by pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas.
Why would I need an adrenal CT scan?
CT Scans (CAT Scans) to Evaluate Adrenal Tumors and Growths. The CT scan (also called CAT scan) is very accurate at examining the adrenal glands and other abdominal structures and can be used on any type of adrenal tumor.
What size tumor can a CT scan detect?
Due to the physical limitations, however, the minimum lesion size that can be measured with CT is about 3 mm (24). Modern MR imaging systems demonstrate similar lesion detection limits (25).
What are 4 possible treatments for pheochromocytoma?
The primary treatment for a pheochromocytoma is surgery to remove the tumor….Cancer treatments
- MIBG .
- Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Targeted cancer therapies.
How is a CAT scan used to diagnose pheochromocytoma?
CT Scans (CAT Scans) to Evaluate Pheochromocytoma Tumors and Masses Within the Adrenal Gland The CT scan (also called CAT scan) is very accurate at examining the adrenal glands and other abdominal structures and can be used on any type of adrenal tumor. Like the other 3 tests in this group, the CT scan is painless.
Which is better pet or CT for pheochromocytoma?
DOTATATE PET/CT should now be considered the ideal first line investigation for imaging pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Depending on DOTATATE findings and the clinical question, FDG and MIBG remain useful and, in selected cases, may provide more accurate staging, disease characterization and guide treatment choices TODO.
How many cases of pheochromocytoma are diagnosed at autopsy?
A 1979 study (, 7) revealed that 50% of cases of pheochromocytoma were diagnosed at autopsy. This study predates the burgeoning increase in the use of imaging during the past 2 decades, and many of these pheochromocytomas are now being encountered in vivo along with many other incidental adrenal tumors at CT (, 5 ).
Is the pheochromocytoma a benign or malignant tumor?
They are characteristically solid, hypervascular masses with high signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. A wide spectrum of imaging appearances is seen, however, and pheochromocytomas may mimic other adrenal lesions, both benign and malignant.