Computed tomography of the adrenal glands

Computed tomographies (CT) of 100 patients without evidence of adrenal disease were reviewed to evaluate percentage of identification, shape, location of normal adrenal glands. The presonal series of 30 patients with adrenal disease (11 with non-functioning pathology, 19 with functioning pathology) was then analysed in order to determine the diagnostic possibilities of this new technique. CT scan was useful for identification of small tumors not detected by conventional examinations; for screening between liquid and solid masses; for assessment of extra-adrenal spread of malignant tumors. In the field of adrenal diseases CT scan, completed by other non-invasive techniques, reduced the utilization of angiography.