COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF METASTASES OF THE ADRENAL-GLANDS

Abstract

Patients (46) with carcinoma in the advanced stages were examined with computed tomography (CT) to identify possible metastatic tumor in the adrenal glands. Patients (34) had the adrenal glands examined macroscopically and histologically within 3 mo. In only 1 CT examination were the adrenal glands nonevaluable. Of 7 adrenal glands with metastases, 5 were correctly diagnosed by CT. The examination with false-negative results was due to only microscopically detectable tumor invasion of both the adrenal glands. All 5 macroscopically observed metastases were identified by CT. There were no false-positive results. CT an accurate method for identifying macroscopically observable adrenal metastases.