Manifestations of adult adrenal glands in intraoperative ultrasound / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To observe the manifestations of adult adrenal glands in intraoperative ultrasound(IOUS).Methods A total of 71 patients who underwent surgery for liver,biliary or pancreatic lesions were enrolled.Adrenal glands manifestations in IOUS were observed,and the displaying rate and the measured thickness of adrenal glands of IOUS were compared with those of CT/MRI.Results Adult adrenal gland manifested as bilateral weak echogenic structures with clear boundary and irregularly shape in IOUS.CT/MRI displaying rate of adrenal gland was 97.18％(138/142),of IOUS was 95.07％(135/142).IOUS displaying rate of the left side adrenal gland was 97.18％(69/71),of the right side adrenal gland was 92.96％(66/71),including 4 adrenal glands not shown on CT/MRI.The thickness of adrenal gland measured with IOUS was greater than those with CT/MRI(all P＜0.05).Conclusion IOUS of Adult adrenal glands present as bilateral weak echogenic structures with clear boundary and irregularly shape.IOUS displaying rate of adult adrenal gland was higher of the left side than the right side.

Diagnosis of fetal adrenal hematoma through prenatal ultrasound: a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the ultrasonic characteristics and evolution pattern of fetal adrenal hematoma (AH).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of one fetal AH diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. The study involved a comprehensive search of the relevant cases of fetal AH published from January 1, 1989, to December 31, 2022, in the Yiigle database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, and PubMed Database. The clinical features, sonographic characteristics, interventions, and prognosis of fetal AH were summarized. Descriptive statistical analysis was used.Results:(1) Case: An ultrasound at 36 +3 weeks of pregnancy detected a mixed echogenic nodule at the fetal left adrenal region, with clear border and no obvious blood flow signal. Fetal AH was considered. Observations from the close ultrasound follow-up on the case before and after birth, and one year and eight months after birth presented a gradual transformation of the lesion from mixed echogenic to solid echogenic and a reduction following enlargement in lesion size. The lesion was ultimately liquefied and absorbed. (2) Literature review: A total of 12 cases of fetal AH that had clear diagnosis and ultrasound data were retrieved and added to the present case, for a total of 13 cases. Neither prenatal maternal nor postnatal typical clinical manifestations were observed in fetal AH cases. In cases with large hemorrhage and/or bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, mild jaundice and feeding difficulties may be present. Two cases were terminated, one live baby died of heart failure due to vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, other ten had good prognosis. Fetal AH ultrasound image features demonstrated time-dependent changes, progressing in the sequence of anechoicity, solid echogenicity, mixed echogenicity, and complete absorption of the lesion, or residual hyperechogenicity. Conclusions:Fetal AH is a rare condition that exhibits characteristic transformations in ultrasound image features over time. Conducting close follow-up ultrasound examinations is the preferred and crucial approach to the diagnosis of fetal AH.

Histogram analysis in the differentiation between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas: the value of a single measurement / Análise por histograma para diferenciação entre adenomas da adrenal e feocromocitomas: o valor de uma medida única

Abstract Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of histogram analysis on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas (PCCs). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with proven PCCs who had undergone CT examinations between January 2009 and July 2019 at one of two institutions. For each PCC, we selected one or two adenomas diagnosed within two weeks of the date of diagnosis of the PCC. For each lesion, two readers scored the size, determined the mean attenuation, and generated a voxel histogram. The 10th percentile (P10) was obtained from the conventional histogram analysis, as well as being calculated with the following formula: P10 = mean attenuation - (1.282 × standard deviation). The mean attenuation threshold, histogram analysis (observed) P10, and calculated P10 (calcP10) were compared in terms of their diagnostic accuracy. Results: We included 52 adenomas and 29 PCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the mean attenuation threshold were 75.0%, 100.0%, and 82.5%, respectively, for reader 1, whereas they were 71.5%, 100.0%, and 81.5%, respectively, for reader 2. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the observed P10 and calcP10 were equal for both readers: 90.4%, 96.5%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 1; and 92.3%, 93.1%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 2. The increase in sensitivity was significant for both readers (p = 0.009 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: For differentiating between adenomas and PCCs, the histogram analysis (observed P10 and calcP10) appears to outperform the mean attenuation threshold as a diagnostic criterion.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica da análise por histograma na tomografia computadorizada (TC) sem contraste para a diferenciação entre adenomas adrenais e feocromocitomas (FCCs). Materiais e Métodos: Identificamos, retrospectivamente, pacientes com diagnóstico de FCC confirmado que foram submetidos a exames de TC entre janeiro de 2009 e julho de 2019 em duas instituições distintas. Para cada FCC, selecionamos um ou dois adenomas diagnosticados em até duas semanas da data do diagnóstico do FCC. Para cada lesão, dois leitores pontuaram o tamanho, determinaram a atenuação média e geraram um histograma com os voxels das imagens. O percentil 10 (P10) foi obtido a partir da análise convencional do histograma, além de ser calculado com a seguinte fórmula: P10 = atenuação média - (1,282 × desvio-padrão). O limiar de atenuação média, o P10 da análise por histograma (P10 observado) e o P10 calculado (P10calc) foram comparados em termos de acurácia diagnóstica. Resultados: Foram incluídos 52 adenomas e 29 FCCs. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do limiar de atenuação média foram de 75,0%, 100,0% e 82,5% para o leitor 1, respectivamente, e de 71,5%, 100,0% e 81,5% para o leitor 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do P10 observado e do P10calc foram idênticas para os dois leitores: 90,4%, 96,5% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 1; e 92,3%, 93,1% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 2. O aumento da sensibilidade foi significativo para ambos os leitores (p = 0,009 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Conclusão: Para a diferenciação entre adenomas e FCCs, a análise por histograma (P10 observado ou P10calc) parece superar o limiar de atenuação média como critério diagnóstico.

Application of the fetal adrenal volume evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction and its correlation with adverse perinatal outcomes / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the fetal adrenal gland volume (AGV) and corrected adrenal gland volume (cAGV) in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses and observe their associations with the adverse perinatal outcomes.Methods:From February 2021 to August 2022, 32 IUGR fetuses who underwent fetal ultrasound examination in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were prospectively selected as the IUGR group, and 32 normal fetuses matched for gestational age during the same period were selected as the control group. Three-dimensional ultrasound was used to obtain fetal adrenal volume images, and the virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) was used to measure AGV, then the cAGV was calculated. The values of AGV and cAGV were appropriately compared between the IUGR and the control groups. The pregnancy outcomes were noted. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between the cAGV and adverse perinatal outcomes in IUGR fetus, with maternal age and the CPR included as covariates to control for confounding factors.Results:A total of 32 fetuses with IUGR and 32 controls were involved in this prospective study. There was no significant difference in the AGV between these two groups ( P=0.417). The cAGV of the IUGR fetus was substantially larger than that of the normal fetus ( P=0.034). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for maternal age and fetal CPR, the fetal cAGV was noticeably associated with the fetal distress (adjusted OR=0.005, 95% CI=0.000-0.587, P=0.029) and the total adverse perinatal outcomes (adjusted OR=0.014, 95% CI=0.000-0.475, P=0.018). Conclusions:The value of cAGV is increased in the IUGR fetuses and associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The evaluation of fetal AGV could be beneficial to monitoring and managing IUGR fetuses.

Familial bilateral pheochromocytoma: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Familial pheochromocytoma belongs to autosomal dominant inheritance, and has complex and variable clinical manifestations. A child with bilateral PHEO was admitted to our hospital. His grandmother, father and brother were all diagnosed with PHEO, and his aunt was diagnosed with paraganglioma. The child underwent laparoscopic left partial adrenalectomy and open surgery for the contralateral tumor, and was in good postoperative condition. The blood pressure returned to normal and there was no local recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up of 8 months after the second operation.

A case report of metastasis to contralateral adrenal gland and gallbladder following laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

The metastasis of contralateral adrenal gland and gallbladder following radical nephrectomy is extremely uncommon in clinical practice. We presented one such case. The patient underwent laparoscopic radical right nephrectomy. Postoperative pathology revealed clear cell carcinoma of the right kidney. Five years after operation, CT revealed occupying lesions in the left adrenal gland and gallbladder. Transperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. Pathological examination showed that the left adrenal tumor and gallbladder tumor were clear cell carcinoma. The patient received targeted therapy and tumor-free survived for 10 months.

Primary adrenal epithelioid sarcoma: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Adrenal epithelioid sarcoma is very rare in clinic. A case of epithelioid sarcoma of the right adrenal gland was reported in this paper. After physical examination, the patient was found to have a mass in the right adrenal area and underwent right adrenalectomy. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was right adrenal epithelioid sarcoma. Two months after adrenalectomy, positron emission tomography computed tomography(PET/CT) noted recurrence at the tumor bed and multiple metastases.The patient underwent chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy. After 16 months of follow-up, the disease was stable.

Primary adrenal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma complicated with renal venous carcinoma thrombus: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Primary adrenal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is clinically rare. This article reported a patient, who was diagnosed as primary adrenal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma complicated with renal vein cancer thrombus, and underwent laparoscopic left adrenal + left kidney + left renal vein tumor embolectomy.The carcinoma relapsed after 19 months of follow-up after surgery. The patient and his family refused further treatment.

Preliminary study on the ability of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT to differentiate between adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma and nonfunctional adenoma / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the ability of 68Ga-Pentixafor (nuclide ligand imaging agents for chemokine receptor 4) PET/CT to differentiate between aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and adrenal nonfunctional adenoma (NFA), and to assess how well this imaging method correlates with clinical features and postoperative outcomes. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study involving 73 APA and 12 NFA patients who received 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2018 to October 2021. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the differential value of visual analysis and the maximum standard uptake value (SUV max) of the focus on APA and NFA. The related factors of SUV max, and its predictive effect on postoperative outcomes were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman analysis and χ2 text. Results:68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging was positive in 64 APA patients (sensitivity=87.7%) and negative in all 12 NFA patients (specificity=100%). The area under the ROC curve with SUV max differentiating APA and NFA was 0.932 ( P<0.001). When the SUV max cut-off point was 6.23, the sensitivity was 80.8% and the specificity was 100%. The SUV max correlated positively with lesion size ( r=0.598) and aldosterone/renin activity ratio ( r=0.313) and correlated negatively with potassium level ( r=-0.286), renin activity ( r=-0.240) and age of diagnosis ( r=-0.273) (all P<0.05). Of the patients who underwent adrenalectomy and received more than 6 months of post-surgical follow-up, the clinical complete remission rate was higher for 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging-positive patients than imaging-negative patients (24/39 vs. 0/4, P=0.031). Conclusions:68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT is effective at differentiating between APA and NFA. The SUV max of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT correlates with age at onset, lesion size, and the severity of clinical manifestations, and is able to predict postoperative outcomes.

Single-center experience with vascularized adrenal displacement for the treatment of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore a new treatment of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) and its efficacy. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 20 PBMAH patients treated in our hospital during Mar.2010 and Apr.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent laparoscopic subcutaneous displacement of vascularized adrenal. The clinical symptoms, plasma free cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and 24 h urinary free cortisol were regularly monitored after surgery. 【Results】 Of all 20 patients, 19 were followed up for 18 to 120 months (median 60 months). Three months after surgery, reexamination showed 1 patient had decreased plasma free cortisol and increased ACTH, but had no symptoms of low corticosteroids. After another 3 months, the plasma free cortisol and ACTH returned to normal. After 4 to 48 months, the parameters recovered in all patients and the clinical symptoms disappeared. 【Conclusion】 Laparoscopic vascularized adrenal displacement is a new and effective method for the treatment of PBMAH. It can alleviate the Cushing syndrome with no obvious adverse reactions.

Feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy with the assistance of three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography image to treat huge adrenal tumors / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:Efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy as a treatment for large adrenal tumors.Three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction can effectively assist in preoperative planning of robotic adrenalectomy and reduce potential complications.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the relevant information of patients who had a preoperative 3D reconstruction and underwent RA for adrenal masses larger than 10 cm. Thirteen male patients and sixteen female patients were included. The median(range) age was 43(25, 57) years old and the median tumor diameter was 12.1(10.3, 16.2) cm. The patients underwent preoperative CT enhancement scanning, and three-dimensional images were reconstructed based on the examination data. Robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed under general anesthesia in 29 cases in this cohort.Results:All surgeries were completed successfully without major complications such as massive bleeding, secondary surgery, or even patient death. The median operative time was 131 (80, 245) min, and the median intraoperative bleeding was 330 (50, 2 200 ml) ml. 9 patients received blood transfusions. There were 11 cases of pheochromocytoma (37.9%), 10 cases of adenocarcinoma (34.5%) as well as 2 cases of teratoma (6.9%) and 6 cases of cortical carcinoma (20.7%). The patients were followed up for a median of 30 months after surgery. Except for 3 cases lost to follow-up and 2 patients with cortical cancer who developed recurrence or metastasis after surgery and died at 16 and 23 months after surgery, respectively, the remaining 24 cases have survived to date.Conclusions:RA is a safe and effective treatment for huge adrenal tumors. The 3D reconstruction could help the preoperative planning of RA and reduce potential complications.

A case of testosterone-secreting adrenal tumor misdiagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

This article reports a case of adrenal tumor in a reproductive-aged woman with hyperandrogenism misdiagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome. The patient presented with menstrual disorder, elevated testosterone levels, and polycystic ovaries, initially diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome. Menstrual regularity was achieved after intermittent use of ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate and progesterone. Five years later, during a physical examination, a mass was discovered in the right adrenal gland, accompanied by elevated testosterone levels, polycystic ovaries, obesity, and insulin resistance. Laparoscopic resection of the right adrenal tumor was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was adrenal cortical oncocytoma. Postoperatively, menstrual regularity was restored, and testosterone levels normalized. This case highlights the importance of considering adrenal tumors secreting androgens in patients clinically diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, and emphasizes the need for regular adrenal imaging follow-up.

Application of Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Region Masses in Children:Report of 6 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the safety and efficiency of robot-assisted laparoscopic resection of pediatric adrenal region masses.Methods Six cases with adrenal region mass underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy(RALA)from October 2019 to March 2022 in our hospital by using the da Vinci Robotic Surgery System.The patient was routinely placed in the 60°position on the healthy side.Two robotic arms were used to operate,and additional auxiliary operation holes were added as needed.The tumor was revealed by the combination of sharp and blunt separation,and the tumor trophoblastic vessels were identified.The tumor vessels were isolated by clamping with silk wire or biological clips.The tumor was fully freed and excised completely.Smaller specimens were removed by a slightly enlarged operation hole,and larger specimens were removed by another incision in the lower abdomen.Results All the 6 cases of procedures were successfully performed without conversion to open surgery.The operative duration was 90-240 min(mean,133.3 min),and the blood loss was 15-50 ml(mean,31.7 ml).In 2 cases,the drainage tube was not placed.In the remaining 4 cases,the indwelling time of the drainage tube after surgery was 4-8 d(mean,5.5 d).The postoperative hospital stay was5-15 d(mean,8.7 d).There were no complications except for one patient with postoperative bleeding.All the patients were followed up for 10-24 months(mean,16.7 months).CT examinations showed no recurrence of tumors.Conclusion Robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection of pediatric adrenal region masses is safe with satisfactory results.

Prevalence of reported incidental adrenal findings in chest computerized tomography scans performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in a single center in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: We investigated the prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) in a nonselected Brazilian population in chest computed tomography (CT) performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study using chest CT reports from a tertiary in- and outpatient radiology clinic from March to September 2020. AIs were defined by changes in the shape, size, or density of the gland initially identified in the released report. Individuals with multiple studies were included, and duplicates were removed. Exams with positive findings were reviewed by a single radiologist. Results: A total of 10,329 chest CTs were reviewed, and after duplicate removal, 8,207 exams were included. The median age was 45 years [IQR 35-59 years], and 4,667 (56.8%) were female. Thirty-eight lesions were identified in 36 patients (prevalence 0.44%). A higher prevalence was observed with age, with 94.4% of the findings in patients aged 40 years and over (RR 9.98 IC 2.39-41.58, p 0.002), but there was no significant difference between the sexes. Seventeen lesions (44.7%) had more than 10 HU, and five lesions (12.1%) were more than 4 cm. Conclusions: The prevalence of AIs in an unselected and unreviewed population in a Brazilian clinic is low. The impact on the health system caused by AIs discovered during the pandemic should be small regarding the need for specialized follow-up.

Frequency of lipid-poor adrenal adenomas in magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the abdomen / Frequência de adenomas adrenais pobres em lipídios em exames de ressonância magnética abdominal

Abstract Objective: To estimate the frequency of lipid-poor adenomas (LPAs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated adrenal lesions on MRI examinations performed in a total of 2,014 patients between January 2016 and December 2017. After exclusions, the sample comprised 69 patients with 74 proven adenomas. Two readers (reader 1 and reader 2) evaluated lesion size, laterality, homogeneity, signal drop on out-of-phase (OP) images, and the signal intensity index (SII). An LPA was defined as a lesion with no signal drop on OP images and an SII < 16.5%. For 68 lesions, computed tomography (CT) scans (obtained within one year of the MRI) were also reviewed. Results: Of the 69 patients evaluated, 42 (60.8%) were women and 27 (39.2%) were men. The mean age was 59.2 ± 14.1 years. Among the 74 confirmed adrenal adenomas evaluated, the mean lesion size was 18.5 ± 7.7 mm (range, 7.0-56.0 mm) for reader 1 and 21.0 ± 8.3 mm (range, 7.0-55.0 mm) for reader 2 (p = 0.055). On the basis of the signal drop in OP MRI sequences, both readers identified five (6.8%) of the 74 lesions as being LPAs. When determined on the basis of the SII, that frequency was three (4.0%) for reader 1 and four (5.4%) for reader 2. On CT, 21 (30.8%) of the 68 lesions evaluated were classified as LPAs. Conclusion: The prevalence of LPA was significantly lower on MRI than on CT. That prevalence tends to be even lower when the definition of LPA relies on a quantitative analysis rather than on a qualitative (visual) analysis.

Resumo Objetivo: Estimar a frequência de adenomas pobres em lipídios (APLs) em exames de ressonância magnética (RM). Materiais e Métodos: Investigaram-se, retrospectivamente, as lesões adrenais em exames de RM realizados de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Um total de 2.014 pacientes foi submetido a exames abdominais e, após exclusões, 69 pacientes com 74 adenomas foram recuperados. Determinaram-se o tamanho da lesão, a lateralidade, a homogeneidade, a queda do sinal em imagens fora-de-fase (FF) e o índice de intensidade do sinal (IIS). Foram utilizadas as seguintes definições para APLs: sem queda de sinal nas imagens FF e IIS < 16,5%. Para 68 lesões, havia imagens de tomografia computadorizada (TC), com intervalo de até um ano da RM, que também foram analisadas. Resultados: Sessenta e nove pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 42 mulheres (60,8%) e 27 homens (39,2%). A média de idade foi 59,2 ± 14,1 anos. O tamanho médio do adenoma adrenal foi 18,5 ± 7,7 mm para o leitor 1 (7,0-56,0 mm) e 21,0 ± 8,3 mm (7,0-55,0 mm) para o leitor 2 (p = 0,055). A queda de sinal nas imagens FF mostrou que a frequência de APLs para ambos os leitores foi 6,8% (5/74). Para a análise quantitativa, a frequência foi 4,0% (3/74) para o leitor 1 e 5,4% (4/74) para o leitor 2. A frequência de APLs nas imagens de TC foi 21/68 lesões (30,8%). Conclusão: A prevalência de APLs em imagens de RM foi significativamente menor do que em exames de TC. Essa prevalência tende a ser ainda menor quando a definição de APL é baseada na análise quantitativa (IIS < 16,5%), em vez da análise visual.

Analysis of etiology distribution and clinical manifestation in bilateral adrenal lesions / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the etiologies and clinical characteristics of bilateral adrenal lesions.Methods:The clinical data of 143 patients with bilateral adrenal lesions hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from Jan. 2013 to Mar. 2018 were collected and analyzed.Results:140 patients were retained for final analysis. 79 were men, and 61 were women. The age was (51.53±13.93) years. Regarding the etiologies, there were primary aldosteronism ( n=44, 31.43%) , Cushing’s syndrome ( n=27, 19.29%) , non-functional lesions ( n=23, 16.43%) , adrenal tuberculosis ( n=17, 12.14%) , pheochromocytoma ( n=11, 7.86%) , congenital adrenal hyperplasia ( n=5, 3.57%) , adrenal metastases ( n=5, 3.57%) , and adrenal lymphoma ( n=4, 2.86) . These patients were classified into the following groups according to the mass size: ≤2 cm, 2-4 cm and ≥4 cm. The highest proportion of primary aldosteronism (62.79%) , Cushing’s syndrome (46.15%) and pheochromocytoma (31.25%) was observed in the ≤2 cm, 2-4 cm and ≥4 cm groups, respectively. The mass sizes of primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome and pheochromocytoma were compared, with pheochromocytoma the largest, followed by Cushing’s syndrome, non-functional lesion, and primary aldosteronism. Conclusions:For patients with bilateral adrenal lesions in our hospital, primary aldosteronism and Cushing’s syndrome are more common than non-functional lesion. Mass size is of great value in the diagnosis of endocrinological etiology, as well as distinguishing malignant tumors from the benign ones. The imaging phenotype is helpful to determine tumor types.

Clinical application of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in surgical diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of primary aldosteronism and correlation analysis of clinical prognosis / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical value of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT targeting for CXCR4 in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on information of 72 patients diagnosed with PA who received operations according to the results of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in our hospital. There were 37 males and 35 females, with the average age of (48.3±9.5) years old. The average lesion diameter was (1.60 ± 0.54)cm. The preoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure were (177.3 ± 23.9)mmHg and (107.6 ± 13.2)mmHg, respectively. The average preoperative potassium level was (2.62 ± 0.56)mmol/L. The average aldosterone concentration was (17.98 ± 4.66)ng/dl, and the median plasma renin activity was 0.01 (0.01, 0.09) ng/(ml·h). All patients underwent 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT examination, which lead to the decision of surgical strategies. For those patients with single lesion, multiple lesions in one side or positive lesion in one side but negative in the opposite side, surgical resection of the positive side lesion or total adrenalectomy was considered. For those patients with bilateral positive lesions, surgical resection of the side with more significant positive lesions or total adrenalectomy was considered. For those with negative multiple lesions, the surgical strategy was designed according to the results of CT examination or AVS. The positive rate of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT and its relationship with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients were analyzed. Results:The results of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT were positive in 62 of 72 patients diagnosed with PA (86.1%), and the median SUVmax value was 11.1 (7.1, 16.2). The SUVmax value was positively correlated with the maximum diameter of adrenal lesion ( r=0.468) and negatively correlated with blood potassium levels ( r=-0.437), while not significantly correlated with other clinical characteristics. The positive rate of adenoma by 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT was higher than that of nodular hyperplasia [90.5%(57/63) vs. 55.6%(5/9), P=0.018], and the SUVmax value in adenoma was also higher than that in nodular hyperplasia [11.9(7.8, 16.2) vs. 4.3(3.4, 11.3), P=0.022]. 32 cases were cured after operations, and 37 cases were improved. And 3 cases were not cured. The SUVmax value of lesions in the cured patients was higher than that in the improved patients [15.4(8.1, 22.7) vs. 10.1(6.8, 13.3), P=0.013]. Among 59 cases of PA patients with single adrenal lesions, 50 cases represented positive results of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. 23 cases in 50 positive cases were cured and 27 cases were improved after resection of positive lesions. In the 13 PA patients with multiple adrenal lesions who underwent surgery according to the results of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT, 12 patients (92.3%) showed postoperative prognosis in line with preoperative expectations. Conclusions:68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT showed high positive rate in the diagnosis of PA, especially for adenoma.The SUVmax value of the adrenal lesion was correlated with the blood potassium level, the size of the lesion and the postoperative prognosis. In addition, 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT could effectively guide the surgical decision of PA.

The efficacy and safety of posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in the prone position / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) in the prone position.Methods:The clinical data of 74 patients who underwent PRA in the prone position in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2021 were reviewed. There were 36 males and 38 females, with an average age was (54.4±12.5) years old. The body mass index was (24.03±3.5) kg/m 2. CT scans of the adrenal glands were performed before operation. There were 39 cases of adrenal tumors on the left side, 33 cases on the right side, and 2 cases on both sides. The diameter of adrenal tumors shown on CT was (2.4±1.3) cm. Among them, 22 cases were diagnosed of non-functional adrenal tumors, 21 cases were primary aldosteronism, 8 cases were Cushing syndrome, and 23 cases were pheochromocytoma . The PRA in the prone position were performed in all 74 patients(76 sides). Results:The operation was performed successfully in all 74 patients(76 sides), of which 42 cases underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, 30 cases underwent unilateral partial adrenalectomy and 2 cases underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. The operation time was (53.2±16.1) min for 76 sides, and the time of two bilateral cases was 70 min and 115 min respectively. The median time of rainage tube indwelling was 3(0, 4) d, and the hospital stay was (4.2±0.9) d. The pathological diagnosis: there were 32 cases of adrenal cortical adenoma, 8 cases of adrenal cortical hyperplasia nodule, 5 cases of adrenal cyst, 7 cases of adrenal medullary lipoma, and 22 cases of adrenal pheochromocytoma. No adverse complications occurred during the perioperative period. The patients were followed-up for (12.5±2.7) months, and no tumor recurrence or long-term complications occurred.Conclusions:Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in the prone position has the advantages of reducing bleeding and exudation, and rapid recovery after surgery, which provides a safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of adrenal tumors.

Severe hyperkalemia after aldosteroneoma resection: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

We reviewed the data of an 18-year-old male patient complained of weakness of limbs and hypokalemia for 6 months. CT scan revealed left adrenal adenoma. He was diagnosed as primary aldosteronism(PA). Laboratory tests showed hypokalemia and hyperaldosteronemia. After potassium supplement and blood pressure lowering treatment, laparoscopic resection of the left adrenal adenoma was performed, and severe hyperkalemia occured 2 hours after surgery(maximum serum potassium 7.02 mmol/L). After hyperrisotonic glucose+ insulin(10% glucose 200 ml+ 50% glucose 40 ml+ insulin 8U)+ cation exchange resin(Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate 20 g) treatment, serum potassium returned to normal range within 12 hours. The plasma aldosterone, blood potassium and blood pressure returned to normal during the 5-month follow-up. According to the experience of this case report, after resection of aldosteronoma, the changes of serum electrolyte should be closely monitored, the occurrence of hyperkalemia should be vigilant.

IgG4 related disease involving the adrenal glands: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

IgG4-related diseases have a low incidence and are easily misdiagnosed as tumors in clinical treatments. A 26-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital because of a left adrenal tumor found in health examination for more than 5 months. The tumor in the left adrenal region could be seen from abdominal CT, and the retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection of the left adrenal tumor was performed. Postoperative pathology was consistent with IgG4-related diseases, and serum IgG4 was abnormally high. After 2 months’ follow-up, serum IgG4 returned to normal, and no special discomfort.