10 MR Imaging techniquesĪt our institution all abdominal MR imaging studies are performed with a dedicated torso phased array coil (to optimize the signal to noise ratio), high-field imaging, and a power injector when contrast is required. In such a patient, resection of an isolated adrenal metastasis has been demonstrated to extend disease-free survival. 9 For example, an isolated ipsilateral adrenal metastasis in a patient with resectable, primary, non-small cell lung carcinoma is treated as localized disease. 5-8Īccurate characterization of adrenal lesions in patients with a known primary malignancy is extremely relevant in clinical practice. 3 Up to 27% of oncology patients will have microscopic adrenal metastases and approximately 50% of imaging-detected adrenal lesions in cancer patients will represent metastatic disease. 3,4 The incidence increases to between 9% and 13% in patients imaged for a known malignancy. 1,2 Incidental adrenal nodules are present in approximately 5% of all abdominal CT examinations in patients with no known malignancy or endocrine abnormality. The detection of incidental adrenal lesions has increased with the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. MRI’s absence of ionizing radiation is additionally beneficial, particularly in young patients or in those undergoing repeated imaging. This is due primarily to the modality’s inherent tissue characterizing ability, but also to a variety of accelerated pulse sequences which confer some advantages over other imaging modalities used for adrenal imaging.

The role of MRI in the evaluation of adrenal lesions has evolved tremendously over the last twenty years.

Cyst on adrenal gland on kidney