Pheochromocytoma MRI
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmad Al Maradni, M.D. [2] Mohammed Abdelwahed M.D[3]
Overview
Head, neck, chest, and abdominal MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.
Key MRI Findings in Pheochromocytoma
- Head, neck, chest, and abdominal MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Findings on MRI suggestive of pheochromocytoma include: [1]
- T1-weighted
- Slightly hypointense to the remainder of the adrenal gland, if there is necrosis and/or hemorrhage then the signal will be more heterogeneous[2]
- T2-weighted
- Markedly hyperintense light bulb sign, helpful in the diagnosis, areas of necrosis/hemorrhage/calcification will alter the signal.[3]
- T1 with gadolinium contrast[4]
- Heterogenous enhancement is prolonged, persisting for as long as 50 minutes.
- Increased vascularity and may be bilateral and hemorrhagic changes.
- T2 weighted MRI of the head, neck, and chest, and abdomen can help localize the tumor.
References
- ↑ Pheochromocytoma. Dr Matt A. Morgan and Dr Frank Gaillard Gold Supporter since June 24, 2015″>. Radiopaedia.org 2015.Page http://radiopaedia.org/articles/pheochromocytoma-2
- ↑ Bravo EL (1994). “Evolving concepts in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pheochromocytoma”. Endocr Rev. 15 (3): 356–68. doi:10.1210/edrv-15-3-356. PMID 8076587.
- ↑ Bravo EL (1994). “Evolving concepts in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pheochromocytoma”. Endocr Rev. 15 (3): 356–68. doi:10.1210/edrv-15-3-356. PMID 8076587.
- ↑ Heinlen JE, Buethe DD, Culkin DJ, Slobodov G (2011). “Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2a presenting with pheochromocytoma and pituitary macroadenoma”. ISRN Oncol. 2011: 732452. doi:10.5402/2011/732452. PMC 3200135. PMID 22091429.
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