Adrenal CT Appearances
Adrenal Pheochromocytoma CT Findings
- Calcifications are found in 10%
- Are typically vascular on early phase CT scans
- Can have a 50% washout value and behave just like an adenoma
- In the absence of metastases it is hard to diagnose whether or not a pheochromocytoma is malignant
Other Information About Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Etiology:
- Generally unknown
- Prominence in MEN2, NH1, VHL
Epidemiology:
- Equal prevalence in males and females
- 4th-6th decade of life
Presentation:
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating and shaking
- Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
Prognosis:
- Tumor must be removed
- Without spread, 95% of patients live 5+ years
- With spread, 34-60% of patients live 5+ years
Related Pearls: Adrenal Pheochromocytoma
Related Lectures:
CT of the Adrenal Gland: How to Evaluate an Adrenal Mass Part 3
CT Evaluation of Primary Adrenocortical Carcinoma Part 2
The Large Adrenal Mass: Pearls and Pitfalls - Part 3
The Many Faces of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma: What You Need to Know - Part 1
The Many Faces of Adrenal Pheochromocytoma: What You Need to Know - Part 2
CT of the Adrenal Mass: A Challenging Diagnosis Becomes Even More Difficult - Part 4
CT of the Large Adrenal Mass: Follow, Biopsy, Resect - Part 3