Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pheochromocytoma MRI
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Head, neck, chest, and abdominal MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.
Key MRI Findings in 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
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.
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]