Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if Hounsfield unit (HU) values from virtual noncontrast (VNC) images derived from portal venous phase spectral-detector computed tomography can help to differentiate adrenal adenomas and metastases.
Methods: Spectral-detector computed tomography datasets of 33 patients with presence of adrenal lesions and standard of reference for lesion origin by follow-up/prior examinations or dedicated magnetic resonance imaging were included. Conventional and VNC images were reconstructed from the same scan. Region of interest-based image analysis was performed in adrenal lesions and contralateral healthy adrenal tissue.
Results: The 33 lesions consisted of 23 adenomas and 10 metastases. Hounsfield unit values of all lesions in VNC images were significantly lower compared with conventional images (18.2 ± 12.6 HU vs 59.6 ± 21.7 HU, P < 0.001). Hounsfield unit values in adenomas were significantly lower in VNC images (11.3 ± 6.5 HU vs 34.1 ± 9.1 HU, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Virtual noncontrast HU values differed significantly between adrenal adenomas and metastases and can therefore be used for improved characterization of incidental adrenal lesions and definition of adrenal adenomas.
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.