The value of CT and MRI in diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Objective: To explore the value of CT and MRI in diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Methods: Twenty-five cases of pheochromocytoma confirmed by operation owned both CT and MRI image materials. All cases were underwent multi-slice spiral CT and MRI. MRI included T1 weighted imaging, T2 weighted imaging, gradient-echo out of phase or gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced T1 weighted imaging. Tri-phase enhancement spiral CT was performed in 20 patients. Results: Among all the 25 cases of pheochromocytoma, 23 occured in the adrenal gland, 1 occured beside the abdominal aorta, another beside the mediastinum muscle column. 22 cases were benign, 3 cases were malignant. Multi-slice spiral CT and MRI images showed the shape of a oval like, lobulated and irregular edge, partially showed necrosis, cystic lesion and bleeding. CT post-treatment and MRI can clearly show the shape, internal structure, adjacent relationship and partial tissue composition of tumors. Conclusion: Multi-slice spiral CT and MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy rate of pheochromosytoma. (authors)