Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands can develop a myriad of abnormalities, which can be fundamentally differentiated into benign or malignant lesions having either hyperfunction or non-hyperfunction (i.e., non-function) [1, 2]. Functioning lesions typically secrete hormonal metabolites and include a variety of tumors, some of which are very rare. These tumors can produce cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones as well as adrenergic hormones in the case of pheochromocytomas [1-3]. Non-functioning tumors are far more common and include both benign and malignant lesions. Benign masses include cortical adenomas, myelolipomas, cysts and less commonly ganglioneuromas, hemangioendotheliomas, hemorrhage, and granulomatous disease. Malignant lesions include metastases, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, and some forms of pheochromocytomas [1-3].

Duke Scholars

Author Daniele Marin Radiology, Abdominal Imaging

Author Lisa Mei-ling Ho Radiology, Abdominal Imaging

Author Rendon C. Nelson Radiology