Calcified Adrenal Lesions: Pattern Recognition Approach on Computed Tomography With Pathologic Correlation

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2020 Mar/Apr;44(2):178-187. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000000980.

Abstract

Incidental adrenal lesions are found in 2% to 10% of the population. The presence and pattern of calcifications, in conjunction with other clinical and imaging features, such as soft tissue attenuation, enhancement, and laterality, can aid in narrowing a differential diagnosis, thereby preventing unnecessary biopsies and avoiding delays in management. Calcified adrenal lesions can be categorized under the clinical and laboratory headings of normal adrenal function, hyperfunctioning adrenal tissue, and adrenal insufficiency. In this review, we provide an algorithmic approach to assessing calcified adrenal nodules with correlative radiologic findings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adrenal Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*