Unit 12 - Adrenal Medulla Tumors

What is Pheochromocytoma?

Rare, Adrenal medulla tumor

Is Pheochromocytoma benign or malignant?

Usually benign in adrenal gland (10% malignant)

Which mass has an excessive secretion of epinephrine & norepinephrine?

Pheochromocytoma

What does a Pheochromocytoma mass produce?

Intermittent hypertension

What is the US appearance of Pheochromocytoma?

• Unilateral or bilateral

• Highly vascular

• Poor through-transmission

• May be large & bulky

  • Varied appearance

  • Cystic, solid, calcified components

What is this image showing?

Pheochromocytoma

What is this image showing?

Pheochromocytoma Calcified Adrenal Gland

Most common adrenal gland malignancy in childhood?

Adrenal Neuroblastoma

Most common tumor of infancy?

Adrenal Neuroblastoma

Where would an Adrenal Neuroblastoma be located in an adrenal gland?

Medulla

Adrenal Neuroblastoma’s are usually __________ in children.

Asymptomatic

What other symptom may be seen in children with an Adrenal Neuroblastoma?

Palpable abdominal mass

What is the US appearance of an Adrenal Neuroblastoma?

• Well-encapsulated tumor

• Usually displaces kidney inferiorly & laterally

• Large

• Heterogeneous

• Echogenic mass

• Poorly defined margins

• May have cystic or calcified components

What is this image showing?

Adrenal Neuroblastoma

A Myelolipoma is ______ & _______.

Rare & Benign

A Myelolipoma is composed of:

• Adipose tissue

• Lymphocytes

• Primitive myeloid cells

Primitive myeloid cells are derived from the _____ ______.

Bone marrow

What is this image showing?

Myelolipoma

Lesions in the liver or Morison’s pouch displace fat echoes ________ & _________.

Posteriorly & inferiorly

Extrahepatic masses shift the IVC ____________.

Anteriormedially

Extrahepatic masses displace the right kidney ___________.

Anteriorly

Retroperitoneal lesions in the adrenal gland & the kidney displace fat echoes _________ & __________.

Anteriorly & Superiorly

What is this image showing?

Shift in “fat line” —> Adrenal mass

What is this image showing?

Shift in “fat line” —> Liver mass distinction