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Erschienen in: European Radiology 7/2014

01.07.2014 | Computed Tomography

Can single-phase dual-energy CT reliably identify adrenal adenomas?

verfasst von: A. Helck, N. Hummel, F. G. Meinel, T. Johnson, K. Nikolaou, A. Graser

Erschienen in: European Radiology | Ausgabe 7/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate whether single-phase dual-energy-CT-based attenuation measurements can reliably differentiate lipid-rich adrenal adenomas from malignant adrenal lesions.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively identified 51 patients with adrenal masses who had undergone contrast-enhanced dual-energy-CT (140/100 or 140/80 kVp). Virtual non-contrast and colour-coded iodine images were generated, allowing for measurement of pre- and post-contrast density on a single-phase acquisition. Adrenal adenoma was diagnosed if density on virtual non-contrast images was ≤10 HU. Clinical follow-up, true non-contrast CT, PET/CT, in- and opposed-phase MRI, and histopathology served as the standard of reference.

Results

Based on the standard of reference, 46/57 (80.7 %) adrenal masses were characterised as adenomas or other benign lesions; 9 malignant lesions were detected. Based on a cutoff value of 10 HU, virtual non-contrast images allowed for correct identification of adrenal adenomas in 33 of 46 (71 %), whereas 13/46 (28 %) adrenal adenomas were lipid poor with a density ≥10 HU. Based on the threshold of 10 HU on the virtual non-contrast images, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detection of benign adrenal lesions was 73 %, 100 %, and 81 % respectively.

Conclusion

Virtual non-contrast images derived from dual-energy-CT allow for accurate characterisation of lipid-rich adrenal adenomas and can help to avoid additional follow-up imaging.

Key Points

Adrenal adenomas are a common lesion of the adrenal glands.
Differentiation of benign adrenal adenomas from malignant adrenal lesions is important.
Dual-energy based virtual non-contrast images help to evaluate patients with adrenal adenomas.
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Metadaten
Titel
Can single-phase dual-energy CT reliably identify adrenal adenomas?
verfasst von
A. Helck
N. Hummel
F. G. Meinel
T. Johnson
K. Nikolaou
A. Graser
Publikationsdatum
01.07.2014
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
European Radiology / Ausgabe 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3192-z

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