Adjunctive use of C-arm CT may eliminate technical failure in adrenal vein sampling.

PURPOSE: To examine whether the use of C-arm computed tomography (CT) during adrenal vein sampling improves the technical success rate of the procedure.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Nine consecutive patients with suspected primary hyperaldosteronism underwent standard adrenal vein sampling that included cortisol stimulation. The procedure was augmented with multiplanar C-arm CT images reconstructed from data acquired during a 180 degrees C-arm rotation. Whenever C-arm CT images showed the sampling catheter to be in the wrong position, the catheter was repositioned. Cortisol response was correlated to C-arm CT findings.

RESULTS

All patients had successful and diagnostic adrenal vein sampling. C-arm CT showed sampling catheter malposition in two patients (22%). Repeat C-arm CT after repositioning showed proper catheter location. Cortisol stimulation results and C-arm CT findings were concordant in 100% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

C-arm CT is reliable in confirming the location of sampling catheters during adrenal vein sampling. If the 100% concordance between cortisol stimulation and C-arm CT findings is found in larger groups, the technical success rate may approach 100%. Cortisol stimulation may become obsolete and repeat procedures unnecessary, with significant time and cost savings.