Adrenal Glands

R/O adrenal mass

Adrenal Glands
Specific Anatomic Region

Application R/O Adrenal Mass

Author Fishman EK

Reference Source Personal Communication

Scanner Used Siemens Plus4 Volume Zoom

KV / mAs / Time per Rotation 120/165/.5

(sec)
Detector Collimation (mm) 4x 2.5 or 4 x 1.0

Slice Thickness (mm) 3 or 1

Data Reconstruction Interval 2 or 1

(mm)
Table Speed (mm per rotation) / 12.5/5 or 6/6
Pitch
Oral Contrast 750 cc water

IV Contrast Volume and Type N/A

Injection Rate N/A

Scan Delay (sec) N/A

3D Technique Used Not routinely needed

Comment:

• Noncontrast studies are ideal for determining whether a lesion is an adenoma based
on its CT attenuation. (< 18 HU)

• IV contrast may be helpful if there is a high clinical suspicion of a neoplasm, as

vascular involvement can be identified.

• Enhancement patterns may be valuable in defining a pheochromcytoma (very

vascular).

Adrenal Glands
R/O Pheochromocytoma
Specific Anatomic Region Adrenal Glands

Application R/O Pheochromocytoma

Author Fishman EK

Reference Source Personal Communication

Scanner Used Siemens Plus4 Volume Zoom

KV / mAs / Time per Rotation 120/165/.5

(sec)
Detector Collimation (mm) 2.5

Slice Thickness (mm) 3

Data Reconstruction Interval 2

(mm)
Table Speed (mm per rotation) / 12.5/5
Pitch
Oral Contrast N/A
IV Contrast Volume and Type N/A

Injection Rate N/A

Scan Delay (sec) N/A

3D Technique Used N/A

Comment:

• If a pheochromocytoma is suspected, then IV contrast is not routinely used.

Reactions to nonionic contrast in patients with pheochromocytoma are very rare,
however.

• The entire abdomen is scanned if the adrenal glands are negative. Special
attenuation is paid to the liver; a site of vascular metastases.When you scan the
entire abdomen use IV contrast to detect sites of metastases.