F-18/flourodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a useful tool for distinguishing potentially malignant lesions from benign tumors in radiologically indeterminate adrenal lesions. The detection of local invasion or tumor extension into the inferior vena cava, as well as lymph node or other metastases (lung and liver), is important for planning surgery. contrast medium and, in many cases, it is difficult to distinguish these tumor entities using conventional imaging. Most ACCs and malignant pheochromocytomas are inhomogeneous with irregular margins and irregular enhancement of solid components after the infusion of i.v. Hounsfield units <10 in unenhanced CT, rapid washout in 15-min delayed contrast-enhanced CT or signal intensity loss using opposed-phase MRI strongly suggests a benign tumor). Although these methods cannot determine the exact entity of the mass, both are able to correctly diagnose benign tumors in most cases-when performed according to the state-of-the-art criteria (e.g. Conversely, MRI offers a preferential application for the suspicion of pheochromocytoma due to the risk of a hypertensive crisis after infusion of i.v. CT is less expensive and should be recommended as the first choice in a suspected ACC. For differential diagnosis of an adrenal mass computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are currently considered equally effective. For best patient care, adequate visualization of the tumor and potential metastases is essential.
0 kommentar(er)
