CT of pheochromocytoma

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in 10 patients with pheochromocytoma are presented. Three of 10 patients had multiple endocrine adenomatosis, all with bilateral adrenal masses. One other patient had bilateral adrenal masses, four had right, and one had left sided adrenal masses. One tumor was extraadrenal. CT, when used as the initial imaging study, correctly identified nine of nine pheochromocytomas in six patients. In another four patients, recurrent or metastatic disease was identified. CT findings of use in diagnosis were mass lesions, some with areas of decreased attenuation indicating hemorrhage, and metastases identified in liver, mediastinum, lung, and spine. CT differentiation of benign from malignant lesions is facilitated by demonstration of local invasion or metastasis. CT is recommended as the initial radiographic procedure in the evaluation of patients with clinical or biochemical suspicion of pheochromocytoma, and for follow-up examination in patients with evidence of recurrent disease.
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