Adrenocortical carcinoma: the range of appearances on CT and MRI

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011 Jun;196(6):W706-14. doi: 10.2214/AJR.10.5540.

Abstract

Objective: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive tumor arising from the adrenal cortex that typically presents late with a large mass. The increased use of cross-sectional imaging for unrelated reasons has led to a greater number of ACCs being detected incidentally at an earlier stage. Recognition of the typical clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings is imperative for rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and early use of the appropriate therapy.

Conclusion: Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI is essential for determining the extent of local and distant tumor spread. Complete surgical resection is currently the only potentially curative treatment of ACC, and the information attained from CT and MRI is important to guide surgery and further patient management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / etiology
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / etiology
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / surgery
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Contrast Media