Role of MRI in assessment of incidental adrenal masses

Abstract

Adrenal gland masses are one of the most common incidentally discovered masses on cross-sectional studies. Their estimated incidence is about 5%. They may also be discovered as a part of endocrinology workup when a functional adrenal lesion is suspected. It is very important to differentiate between benign and malignant adrenal lesions, so MRI, with its high tissue contrast and multiplanar imaging capabilities, is used for accurate characterization of different adrenal lesion. MRI can also provide a detailed display of the adrenal glands and their adjacent anatomic structures. Chemical shift, with its ability to detect intracellular lipid, is the key sequence for characterization of adrenal masses and for differentiating adrenal adenomas from other adrenal lesions.