[Value of various imaging modalities for diagnostic work-up of tumors of the adrenal gland].

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the value of various imaging modalities for diagnostic work-up of tumors of the adrenal gland.

METHODS

Results of the literature are reviewed. An optimized examination protocol for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is shown for assessment and differentiation of unclear lesions of the adrenal gland.

RESULTS

Measurements of attenuation in the native examination as well as delayed enhancement are the cornerstones in the CT diagnostics of tumors of the adrenal gland. In MRI, chemical-shift imaging and evaluation of signal characteristics in T1- and T2-weighted images are most important for characterization even in unclear cases.

CONCLUSION

CT and MRI play the major role in imaging of adrenal gland tumors. Whereas CT is less expensive and widely available,MRI provides advantages in unclear cases because of the excellent tissue contrast and the superior characterization.