Parenchymal obliteration by renal masses: Functional and oncologic implications.

OBJECTIVES: Most renal tumors merely displace nephrons while others can obliterate parenchyma in an invasive manner. Substantial parenchymal volume replacement (PVR) by renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may have oncologic implications; however, studies regarding PVR remain limited. Our objective was to evaluate the oncologic implications associated with PVR using improved methodology including more accurate and objective tools. PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 1,222 patients with non-metastatic renal tumors managed with partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) at Cleveland Clinic (2011-2014) with necessary studies were retrospectively evaluated. Parenchymal volume analysis via semiautomated software was used to estimate split renal function and preoperative parenchymal volumes. Using the contralateral kidney as a control, %PVR was defined: (parenchymal volumecontralateral-parenchymal volumeipsilateral) normalized by parenchymal volumecontralateral x100%. PVR was determined preoperatively and not altered by management. Patients were grouped by degree of PVR: minimal (<5%, N = 566), modest (5%-25%, N = 414), and prominent (≥25%, N = 142). Kaplan-Meier was used to evaluate survival outcomes relative to degree of PVR. Multivariable Cox-regression models evaluated predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Of 1,122 patients, 801 (71%) were selected for PN and 321 (29%) for RN. Overall, median tumor size was 3.1 cm and 6.8 cm for PN and RN, respectively, and median follow-up was 8.6 years. Median %PVR was 15% (IQR = 6%-29%) for patients selected for RN and negligible for those selected for PN. %PVR correlated inversely with preoperative ipsilateral GFR (r = -0.49, P < 0.01) and directly with advanced pathologic stage, high tumor grade, clear cell histology, and sarcomatoid features (all P < 0.01). PVR≥25% associated with shortened recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival (all P < 0.01). Male sex, ≥pT3a, tumor grade 4, positive surgical margins, and PVR≥25% independently associated with reduced RFS (all P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Obliteration of normal parenchyma by RCC substantially impacts preoperative renal function and patient selection. Our data suggests that increased PVR is primarily driven by aggressive tumor characteristics and independently associates with reduced RFS, although further studies will be needed to substantiate our findings.

Performance of CT With Adrenal-Washout Protocol in Heterogeneous Adrenal Nodules: A Multiinstitutional Study.

Background: Adrenal-protocol CT is commonly performed to distinguish adrenal adenomas from other adrenal tumors. However, the technique's utility among heterogeneous nodules is not well established, and the optimal method for placing ROIs in heterogeneous nodules is not clearly defined. Objective: To determine the diagnostic performance of adrenal-protocol CT to distinguish adenomas from non-adenomas among heterogeneous adrenal nodules, and to compare this performance among different methods for ROI placement. Methods: This retrospective study including 164 patients (mean age, 59.1 years; 61 men, 103 women) from seven institutions, with a total of 164 heterogeneous adrenal nodules evaluated by adrenal-protocol CT. All nodules had an available pathologic reference standard. A single investigator at each institution evaluated CT images. ROIs were placed on portal venous phase images using four ROI methods: standard ROI, single large ROI in nodule center; high ROI, single ROI on nodule's highest-attenuation area; low ROI, single ROI on nodule's lowest-attenuation; average ROI: mean of three ROIs on nodule's superior, middle, and inferior thirds using the approach for the standard ROI. ROIs were then placed in identical locations on unenhanced and delayed phases. Absolute washout was determined for all methods. Results: The nodules comprised 82 adenomas and 82 non-adenomas (36 pheochromocytomas, 20 metastases, 12 adrenocortical carcinomas, and 14 with other pathologies). Mean nodule size was 4.5±2.8 cm (range, 1.6-23.0 cm). Unenhanced CT attenuation of 10 HU or less exhibited sensitivity and specificity for adenoma of 22.0% and 96.3% for standard ROI, 11.0% and 98.8% for high ROI, 58.5% and 84.1% for low ROI, and 30.5% and 97.6% for average ROI methods. Adrenal-protocol CT overall (unenhanced attenuation of 10 HU or less, or absolute washout of 60% or greater) exhibited sensitivity and specificity for adenoma of 57.3% and 84.1% for standard ROI, 63.4% and 51.2% for high ROI, 68.3% and 62.2% for low ROI, and 59.8% and 85.4% for average ROI methods. Conclusion: Adrenal-protocol CT has poor diagnostic performance for distinguishing adenomas from non-adenomas among heterogeneous adrenal nodules, regardless of the method used for ROI placement. Clinical Impact: Adrenal-protocol CT has limited utility in the evaluation of heterogeneous adrenal nodules.

Visceral adipose tissue volume effect in Crohn's disease using reduced exposure CT enterography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of visceral adipose tissue volume (VA) on reader efficacy in diagnosing and characterizing small bowel Crohn's disease using lower exposure CT enterography (CTE). Secondarily, we investigated the effect of lower exposure and VA on reader diagnostic confidence. METHODS: Prospective paired investigation of 256 CTE, 129 with Crohn's disease, were reconstructed at 100% and simulated 50% and 30% exposure. The senior author provided the disease classification for the 129 patients with Crohn's disease. Patient VA was measured, and exams were evaluated by six readers for presence or absence of Crohn's disease and phenotype using a 0-10-point scale. Logistic regression models assessed the effect of VA on sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The effect of VA on sensitivity was significantly reduced at 30% exposure (odds radio [OR]: 1.00) compared to 100% exposure (OR: 1.12) (p = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference among the exposures with respect to the effect of visceral fat on specificity (p = 0.159). The study readers' probability of agreement with the senior author on disease classification was 60%, 56%, and 53% at 100%, 50%, and 30% exposure, respectively (p = 0.004). When detecting low severity Crohn's disease, readers' mean sensitivity was 83%, 75%, and 74% at 100%, 50%, and 30% exposure, respectively (p = 0.002). In low severity disease, sensitivity also tended to increase as visceral fat increased (ORs per 1000 cm3 increase in visceral fat: 1.32, 1.31, and 1.18, p = 0.010, 0.016, and 0.100, at 100%, 50%, and 30% exposure). CONCLUSIONS: While the interaction is complex, VA plays a role in detecting and characterizing small bowel Crohn's disease when exposure is altered, particularly in low severity disease.

Anastomosing haemangioma of the adrenal gland: A clinicopathological series of seven cases.

AIMS: Anastomosing haemangioma is a rare benign vascular neoplasm that may histologically mimic angiosarcoma. We report the largest single institution series of anastomosing haemangioma in the adrenal gland with emphasis on clinical and radiological features. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our laboratory information system was searched for a 25-year period (1999-2023), yielding seven cases confirmed as anastomosing haemangioma of the adrenal gland after pathological re-review. Clinical, radiological and pathological information was obtained from medical charts and submitting pathologists. Of a total of seven patients, four (57.1%) were men and three women, ranging in age from 37 to 75 years (mean = 61). Six of seven patients underwent adrenalectomies and one had radical nephrectomy. Tumours ranged from 0.7 to 6.4 cm (mean = 2.1 cm) and five of seven (71%) were grossly well-circumscribed. Five of seven lesions were found incidentally at imaging for other indications. All tumours were unifocal except one, which presented with multifocal disease with a concurrent adjacent retroperitoneal anastomosing haemangioma. Three of five tumours imaged with contrast enhancement were almost completely hyperenhancing with a small central non-enhancing portion, features overlapping with pheochromocytoma. One of seven tumours involved the peri-adrenal adipose tissue with a focally infiltrative pattern. There were no recurrences or metastases in six patients with available follow-up data (median = 95 months). CONCLUSIONS: Benign anastomosing haemangiomas of the adrenal gland tend to occur in older patients, may mimic pheochromocytoma on imaging and must be distinguished from angiosarcoma pathologically. Better awareness of this entity by pathologists, radiologists and surgeons is crucial to appropriate work-up, diagnosis and management.

AI-generated R.E.N.A.L.+ Score Surpasses Human-generated Score in Predicting Renal Oncologic Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether we can surpass the traditional R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (H-score) prediction ability of pathologic outcomes by creating artificial intelligence (AI)-generated R.E.N.A.L.+ score (AI+ score) with continuous rather than ordinal components. We also assessed the AI+ score components' relative importance with respect to outcome odds. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 300 consecutive patients with preoperative computed tomography scans showing suspected renal cancer at a single institution from 2010 to 2018. H-score was tabulated by three trained medical personnel. Deep neural network approach automatically generated kidney segmentation masks of parenchyma and tumor. Geometric algorithms were used to automatically estimate score components as ordinal and continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression of continuous R.E.N.A.L. components was used to generate AI+ score. Predictive utility was compared between AI+, AI, and H-scores for variables of interest, and AI+ score components' relative importance was assessed. RESULTS: Median age was 60years (interquartile range 51-68), and 40% were female. Median tumor size was 4.2 cm (2.6-6.12), and 92% were malignant, including 27%, 37%, and 23% with high-stage, high-grade, and necrosis, respectively. AI+ score demonstrated superior predictive ability over AI and H-scores for predicting malignancy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.69 vs 0.67 vs 0.64, respectively), high stage (AUC 0.82 vs 0.65 vs 0.71, respectively), high grade (AUC 0.78 vs 0.65 vs 0.65, respectively), pathologic tumor necrosis (AUC 0.81 vs 0.72 vs 0.74, respectively), and partial nephrectomy approach (AUC 0.88 vs 0.74 vs 0.79, respectively). Of AI+ score components, the maximal tumor diameter ("R") was the most important outcomes predictor. CONCLUSION: AI+ score was superior to AI-score and H-score in predicting oncologic outcomes. Time-efficient AI+ score can be used at the point of care, surpassing validated clinical scoring systems.

Adrenal Neoplasms: Lessons from Adrenal Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards.

The radiologic diagnosis of adrenal disease can be challenging in settings of atypical presentations, mimics of benign and malignant adrenal masses, and rare adrenal anomalies. Misdiagnosis may lead to suboptimal management and adverse outcomes. Adrenal adenoma is the most common benign adrenal tumor that arises from the cortex, whereas adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor of the cortex. Adrenal cyst and myelolipoma are other benign adrenal lesions and are characterized by their fluid and fat content, respectively. Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor of the adrenal medulla. Metastases to the adrenal glands are the most common malignant adrenal tumors. While many of these masses have classic imaging appearances, considerable overlap exists between benign and malignant lesions and can pose a diagnostic challenge. Atypical adrenal adenomas include those that are lipid poor; contain macroscopic fat, hemorrhage, and/or iron; are heterogeneous and/or large; and demonstrate growth. Heterogeneous adrenal adenomas may mimic ACC, metastasis, or pheochromocytoma, particularly when they are 4 cm or larger, whereas smaller versions of ACC, metastasis, and pheochromocytoma and those with washout greater than 60% may mimic adenoma. Because of its nonenhanced CT attenuation of less than or equal to 10 HU, a lipid-rich adrenal adenoma may be mimicked by a benign adrenal cyst, or it may be mimicked by a tumor with central cystic and/or necrotic change such as ACC, pheochromocytoma, or metastasis. Rare adrenal tumors such as hemangioma, ganglioneuroma, and oncocytoma also may mimic adrenal adenoma, ACC, metastasis, and pheochromocytoma. The authors describe cases of adrenal neoplasms that they have encountered in clinical practice and presented to adrenal multidisciplinary tumor boards. Key lessons to aid in diagnosis and further guide appropriate management are provided. © RSNA, 2023 Online supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Factors predicting the active treatment of renal angiomyolipoma: 30 years of experience in two tertiary referral centers.

Introduction and objective: This study aimed to identify clinical features representing predictive factors of active treatment (AT) compared to active surveillance (AS) for renal angiomyolipoma (AML). Patients and methods: From 1990 to 2020, patients referred to two institutions for a renal mass and diagnosed with an AML based on typical features on CT were included in the analysis. The study population was divided into two groups based on the treatment received: active surveillance (AS) or active treatment (AT). Age, gender, tuberous sclerosis syndrome, tumor size, contralateral kidney disease, renal function, year of diagnosis, and symptoms at presentation were assessed as potential predictive factors of active treatment using a logistic regression model in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In total, 253 patients (mean age 52.3 ± 15.7 years; 70% women; 70.9% incidentally diagnosed) were included in the analysis. One hundred and nine (43%) received AS, whereas 144 (57%) were actively treated. For univariate analysis, age, tuberous sclerosis complex syndrome, tumor size, symptoms at presentation, and contralateral kidney disease were found to be predictors of AT. Only tumor size (p < 0.001) and the year of diagnosis (p < 0.001) remained significant for multivariable analyses. The likelihood of being managed with AS evolved over the study period and was 50% and 75% when diagnosed before and after 2010, respectively. With respect to size, 4-cm and 6-cm tumors had a probability of 50% and 75% of being treated with AS, respectively. Conclusion: The present analysis from a high-volume institution provides evidence that the management of renal masses with typical radiological features of AML has markedly changed over the last three decades with a trend toward AS over AT. Tumor size and the year of diagnosis were significant factors for the treatment strategies.

The Society of Abdominal Radiology at 10 years: Reflections, status report, and look to the future.

In 2012, the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) was formed by the merger of the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiologists (SGR) and the Society of Uroradiology (SUR). On the occasion of SAR's ten year anniversary, this commentary describes important changes in society structure, the growth and diversity of society membership, new educational and research initiatives, intersociety and international outreach, and plans for the future.

Lexicon for adrenal terms at CT and MRI: a consensus of the Society of Abdominal Radiology adrenal neoplasm disease-focused panel.

PURPOSE: Substantial variation in imaging terms used to describe the adrenal gland and adrenal findings leads to ambiguity and uncertainty in radiology reports and subsequently their understanding by referring clinicians. The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized lexicon to describe adrenal imaging findings at CT and MRI. METHODS: Fourteen members of the Society of Abdominal Radiology adrenal neoplasm disease-focused panel (SAR-DFP) including one endocrine surgeon participated to develop an adrenal lexicon using a modified Delphi process to reach consensus. Five radiologists prepared a preliminary list of 35 imaging terms that was sent to the full group as an online survey (19 general imaging terms, 9 specific to CT, and 7 specific to MRI). In the first round, members voted on terms to be included and proposed definitions; subsequent two rounds were used to achieve consensus on definitions (defined as ≥ 80% agreement). RESULTS: Consensus for inclusion was reached on 33/35 terms with two terms excluded (anterior limb and normal adrenal size measurements). Greater than 80% consensus was reached on the definitions for 15 terms following the first round, with subsequent consensus achieved for the definitions of the remaining 18 terms following two additional rounds. No included term had remaining disagreement. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus produced a standardized lexicon for reporting adrenal findings at CT and MRI. The use of this consensus lexicon should improve radiology report clarity, standardize clinical and research terminology, and reduce uncertainty for referring providers when adrenal findings are present.

Prevalence of Malignancy in Adrenal Nodules With Heterogeneous Microscopic Fat on Chemical-Shift MRI: A Multiinstitutional Study.

BACKGROUND. Homogeneous microscopic fat within adrenal nodules on chemical-shift MRI (CS-MRI) is diagnostic of benign adrenal adenoma, but the clinical relevance of heterogeneous microscopic fat is not well established. OBJECTIVE. This study sought to determine the prevalence of malignancy in adrenal nodules with heterogeneous microscopic fat on dual-echo T1-weighted CS-MRI. METHODS. We performed a retrospective study of adult patients with adrenal nodules detected on MRI performed between August 2007 and November 2020 at seven institutions. Eligible nodules had a short-axis diameter of 10 mm or larger with heterogeneous microscopic fat (defined by an area of signal loss of < 80% on opposed-phase CS-MRI). Two radiologists from each center, blinded to reference standard results, determined the signal loss pattern (diffuse, two distinct parts, speckling pattern, central loss, or peripheral loss) within the nodules. The reference standard used was available for 283 nodules (pathology for 21 nodules, ≥ 1 year of imaging follow-up for 245, and ≥ 5 years of clinical follow-up for 17) in 282 patients (171 women and 111 men; mean age, 60 ± 12 [SD] years); 30% (86/282) patients had prior malignancy. RESULTS. The mean long-axis diameter was 18.7 ± 7.9 mm (range, 10-80 mm). No malignant nodules were found in patients without prior cancer (0/197; 95% CI, 0-1.5%). Four of the 86 patients with prior malignancy (hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], renal cell carcinoma [RCC], lung cancer, or both colon cancer and RCC) (4.7%; 95% CI, 1.3-11.5%) had metastatic nodules. Detected patterns were diffuse heterogeneous signal loss (40% [114/283]), speckling (28% [80/283]), two distinct parts (18% [51/283]), central loss (9% [26/283]), and peripheral loss (4% [12/283]). Two metastases from HCC and RCC showed diffuse heterogeneous signal loss. Lung cancer metastasis manifested as two distinct parts, and the metastasis in the patient with both colon cancer and RCC showed peripheral signal loss. CONCLUSION. Presence of heterogeneous microscopic fat in adrenal nodules on CS-MRI indicates a high likelihood of benignancy, particularly in patients without prior cancer. This finding is also commonly benign in patients with cancer; however, caution is warranted when primary malignancies may contain fat or if the morphologic pattern of signal loss may indicate a collision tumor. CLINICAL IMPACT. In the absence of prior cancer, adrenal nodules with heterogeneous microscopic fat do not require additional imaging evaluation.

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes, Clinical Manifestations, and Risk Factors for Hepatic Infarction After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement (TIPS): A Retrospective Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the imaging findings of hepatic infarction after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and identify risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of infarction after TIPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of a TIPS registry (1995-2021), cirrhotic patients with hepatic infarction (n = 33) and control patients without infarct (n = 33) after TIPS were identified. Laboratory values, ultrasound findings, and clinical variables were compared between groups to identify risk factors and differences in outcomes. A Cox proportional hazards regression model with propensity score was used to assess the effect of hepatic infarction on mortality and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) score. RESULTS: Hepatic infarction involved the right posterior segments (segments VI or VII) in 32 of 33 patients. Prolonged vasopressor requirement (p = 0.003) and intensive care unit stay (p = 0.001) were seen in patients with hepatic infarct, as well as trends toward lower post-TIPS portosystemic pressure gradient (p = 0.061) and higher risk of ACLF (p = 0.056). Procedure-related portal vein thrombosis or hepatic artery injury was identified in 12 and 5 patients with infarct, respectively. Patients with infarct had higher postprocedural aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001) levels, higher international normalized ratio (p = 0.016), lower platelet count (p = 0.042), and a greater decrease in hemoglobin level (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Hepatic infarction most frequently affects the right posterior hepatic segments after TIPS and results in a worse postprocedural course. Procedure-related complications and critically low portosystemic pressure gradient may contribute to TIPS-associated hepatic infarct.

Imaging of renal emergencies: Review of infectious, hemorrhagic, vascular, and traumatic etiologies.

Diagnostic imaging allows for accurate and early recognition of acute renal pathologies, thus allowing for appropriate clinical triage, life-saving treatments, and preservation of renal function. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation and imaging findings of renal emergencies with infectious, hemorrhagic, vascular, and traumatic etiologies.

Incidental Adrenal Nodules in Patients Without Known Malignancy: Prevalence of Malignancy and Utility of Washout CT for Characterization-A Multiinstitutional Study.

BACKGROUND. Washout CT is commonly used to evaluate indeterminate adrenal nodules, although its diagnostic performance is poorly established in true adrenal incidentalomas. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare, in patients without a known malignancy history, the prevalence of malignancy for incidental adrenal nodules with unenhanced attenuation more than 10 HU that do and do not show absolute washout of 60% or more, thereby determining the diagnostic performance of washout CT for differentiating benign from malignant incidental adrenal nodules. METHODS. This retrospective six-institution study included 299 patients (mean age, 57.3 years; 180 women, 119 men) without known malignancy or suspicion for functioning adrenal tumor who underwent washout CT, which showed a total of 336 adrenal nodules with a short-axis diameter of 1 cm or more, homogeneity, and unenhanced attenuation over 10 HU. The date of the first CT ranged across institutions from November 1, 2003, to January 1, 2017. Washout was determined for all nodules. Reference standard was pathology (n = 54), imaging follow-up (≥ 1 year) (n = 269), or clinical follow-up (≥ 5 years) (n = 13). RESULTS. Prevalence of malignancy among all nodules, nodules less than 4 cm, and nodules 4 cm or more was 1.5% (5/336; 95% CI, 0.5-3.4%), 0.3% (1/317; 95% CI, 0.0-1.7%), and 21.1% (4/19; 95% CI, 6.1-45.6%), respectively. Prevalence of malignancy was not significantly different for nodules smaller than 4 cm with (0% [0/241]; 95% CI, 0.0-1.2%) and without (1.3% [1/76]; 95% CI, 0.0-7.1%) washout of 60% or more (p = .08) or for nodules 4 cm or larger with (16.7% [1/6]; 95% CI, 0.4-64.1%) and without (23.1% [3/13]; 95% CI, 5.0-53.8%) washout of 60% or more (p = .75). Washout of 60% or more was observed in 75.5% (243/322; 95% CI, 70.4-80.1%) of benign nodules (excluding pheochromocytomas), 20.0% (1/5; 95% CI, 0.5-71.6%) of malignant nodules, and 33.3% (3/9; 95% CI, 7.5-70.1%) of pheochromocytomas. For differentiating benign nodules from malignant nodules and pheochromocytomas, washout of 60% or more had 77.5% sensitivity, 70.0% specificity, 98.8% PPV, and 9.2% NPV among nodules smaller than 4 cm. CONCLUSION. Prevalence of malignancy is low among incidental homogeneous adrenal nodules smaller than 4 cm with unenhanced attenuation more than 10 HU and does not significantly differ between those with and without washout of 60% or more; wash-out of 60% or more has suboptimal performance for characterizing nodules as benign. CLINICAL IMPACT. Washout CT has limited utility in evaluating incidental adrenal nodules in patients without known malignancy.

Comparison of pre-intestinal transplant and posttransplant sarcopenia and visceral adiposity measurements using computed tomography in the diagnosis of malnutrition during a nutrition-focused physical examination.

BACKGROUND: Registered dietitian nutritionists subjectively assess muscle loss as part of the nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE), using guidelines to standardize malnutrition diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) scans provide an objective measure of skeletal muscle mass and abdominal wall and visceral adipose tissue and can be used to determine skeletal muscle loss. METHODS: In this retrospective review, our team compared muscle measurements including the psoas, paraspinal muscles, and abdominal wall muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebral body (using CT)-as well as visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements-before and after gut transplant with the malnutrition diagnosis found on the NFPE. We also examined the association between CT measurements and postoperative infection, length of stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study. Adipose tissue measurements on CT analysis were significantly lower in the malnutrition group compared with those without malnutrition (P ≤ 0.05) in both the pretransplant and posttransplant groups. Skeletal muscle size measurements were not significantly associated with malnutrition, but when adjusted for patients' height by calculating skeletal muscle index, an association between low skeletal muscle index scores and malnutrition diagnosis was found (P = 0.026). Pretransplant malnutrition diagnosis did not predict infection, length of stay, or mortality. CONCLUSION: Objective assessment of subcutaneous adipose tissue by CT analysis was significantly correlated with the subjective assessment of malnutrition by NFPE in both pretransplant and posttransplant patients. Skeletal muscle index scores were significantly lower in pretransplant patients who were diagnosed with malnutrition.

Management of incidental adrenal nodules: a survey of abdominal radiologists conducted by the Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease-Focused Panel on Adrenal Neoplasms.

Adrenal incidentalomas are common findings discovered at abdominal CT and MRI, yet the most appropriate management remains controversial and guidelines vary. The Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) Disease-Focused Panel on Adrenal Neoplasms sought to determine the practice patterns of abdominal radiologists regarding the interpretation and management of adrenal incidentalomas. An electronic survey consisting of eleven multiple choice questions about adrenal incidentalomas was developed and distributed to the email list of current and past SAR members. The response rate was 11.8% (423/3581) and most respondents were academic radiologists (80.6%). The 2017 American College of Radiology White Paper was the most used guideline, yet the management of indeterminate adrenal incidentalomas was highly variable with no single management option reaching a majority. Hormonal evaluation and endocrinology consultation was most often rarely or never recommended. The results of the survey indicate wide variability in the interpretation of imaging findings and management recommendations for incidental adrenal nodules among surveyed radiologists. Further standardization of adrenal incidentaloma guidelines and education of radiologists is needed.

A Modern Assessment of Cancer Risk in Adrenal Incidentalomas: Analysis of 2219 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of and risk factors for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in adrenal incidentaloma (AI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: AI guidelines are based on data obtained with old-generation imaging and predominantly use tumor size to stratify risk for ACC. There is a need to analyze the incidence and risk factors from a contemporary series. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 2219 AIs that were either surgically removed or nonoperatively monitored for ≥12 months between 2000 and 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to define risk factors. ROC curves constructed to determine optimal size and attenuation cut-offs for ACC. RESULTS: 16.8% of AIs underwent upfront surgery and rest initial nonoperative management. Of conservatively managed patients, an additional 7.7% subsequently required adrenalectomy. Overall, ACC incidence in AI was 1.7%. ACC rates by size were 0.1%, 2.4%, and 19.5% for AIs of <4, 4 to 6, and >6 cm, respectively. The optimal size cut-off for ACC in AI was 4.6 cm. ACC risks by Hounsfield density were 0%, 0.5%, and 6.3% for lesions of <10, 10 to 20, and >20 HU, with an optimal cut-off of 20 HU to diagnose ACC. 15.5% of all AIs and 19.2% of ACCs were hormonally active. Male sex, large tumor size, high Hounsfield density, and >0.6 cm/year growth were independent risk factors for ACC. CONCLUSION: This contemporary analysis demonstrates that ACC risk per size in AI is less than previously reported. Given these findings, modern management of AIs should not be based just on size, but a combination of thorough hormonal evaluation and imaging characteristics.

Multiinstitutional Evaluation of the Liver Surface Nodularity Score on CT for Staging Liver Fibrosis and Predicting Liver-Related Events in Patients With Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND. In single-institution multireader studies, the liver surface nodularity (LSN) score accurately detects advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and predicts liver decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) from hepatitis C virus (HCV). OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the LSN score alone and in combination with the (FIB-4; fibrosis index based on four factors) to detect advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis and to predict future liver-related events in a multiinstitutional cohort of patients with CLD from HCV. METHODS. This retrospective study included 40 consecutive patients, from each of five academic medical centers, with CLD from HCV who underwent nontargeted liver biopsy within 6 months before or after abdominal CT. Clinical data were recorded in a secure web-based database. A single central reader measured LSN scores using software. Diagnostic performance for detecting liver fibrosis stage was determined. Multivariable models were constructed to predict baseline liver decompensation and future liver-related events. RESULTS. After exclusions, the study included 191 patients (67 women, 124 men; mean age, 54 years) with fibrosis stages of F0-F1 (n = 37), F2 (n = 44), F3 (n = 46), and F4 (n = 64). Mean LSN score increased with higher stages (F0-F1, 2.26 ± 0.44; F2, 2.35 ± 0.37; F3, 2.42 ± 0.38; F4, 3.19 ± 0.89; p < .001). The AUC of LSN score alone was 0.87 for detecting advanced fibrosis (≥ F3) and 0.89 for detecting cirrhosis (F4), increasing to 0.92 and 0.94, respectively, when combined with FIB-4 scores (both p = .005). Combined scores at optimal cutoff points yielded sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 82% for advanced fibrosis, and sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 85% for cirrhosis. In multivariable models, LSN score was the strongest predictor of baseline liver decompensation (odds ratio, 14.28 per 1-unit increase; p < .001) and future liver-related events (hazard ratio, 2.87 per 1-unit increase; p = .03). CONCLUSION. In a multiinstitutional cohort of patients with CLD from HCV, LSN score alone and in combination with FIB-4 score exhibited strong diagnostic performance in detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. LSN score also predicted future liver-related events. CLINICAL IMPACT. The LSN score warrants a role in clinical practice as a quantitative marker for detecting advanced liver fibrosis, compensated cirrhosis, and decompensated cirrhosis and for predicting future liver-related events in patients with CLD from HCV.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Adrenal Mass Evaluation: 2021 Update.

The appropriate evaluation of adrenal masses is strongly dependent on the clinical circumstances in which it is discovered. Adrenal incidentalomas are masses that are discovered on imaging studies that have been obtained for purposes other than adrenal disease. Although the vast majority of adrenal incidentalomas are benign, further radiological and biochemical evaluation of these lesions is important to arrive at a specific diagnosis. Patients with a history of malignancy or symptoms of excess hormone require different imaging evaluations than patients with incidentalomas. This document reviews imaging approaches to adrenal masses and the various modalities utilized in evaluation of adrenal lesions. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Adrenal hemorrhage and hemorrhagic masses; diagnostic workup and imaging findings.

Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) is a rare condition. It can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Most common causes are septicemia, coagulopathy or bleeding diathesis, and underlying neoplasms. Other reported less common causes of AH are COVID-19 and neonatal stress. Clinical diagnosis of AH is challenging due to its non-specific presentation and occurrence in the setting of acute medical illness. Therefore, most cases are diagnosed incidentally on imaging. Having high clinical suspicion in the proper clinical setting for AH is crucial to avoid life-threatening adrenal insufficiency that occurs in 16-50% of patients with bilateral AH. We discuss the clinical situations that predispose to AH, review the imaging features on different imaging modalities, highlight a variety of clinical cases, imaging features that should be concerning for an underlying neoplasm, and outline the potential role of interventional radiology in management of AH.