CT characteristic of ectopic pheochromocytoma / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the CT characteristics of ectopic pheochromocytoma and improve the diagnostic accuracy. Methods The CT imaging of 27 cases with surgery and pathology proved ectopic pheochromocytoma were retrospectively analyzed, and the tumor site, size, shape, density, cystic change, calcification, boundary and strengthening characteristics of these tumors were observed. Results Tumor located in mesentery in 6 cases and in the left side of abdominal aorta in 6 cases. Tumor located in duodenal ampulla, inferior vena cava, hepatic hilum, left renal portal, right adrenal gland and bladder in 2 cases for each spot. Tumor located in right jugular foramen, left carotid body and right lower lung in 1 case for each spot. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 2.8-19.0 (6.3 ± 2.4) cm. CT plain scan showed low density in 9 cases, isodensity in 10 cases, and high density in 8 cases. CT value was 20-58 (35.0 ± 11.6) HU. Enhanced CT scan showed that the CT value was 40-96 (74.0 ± 16.4) HU, 37- 90 (63.0 ± 14.2) HU in venous phase and 35-67(55.0 ± 12.6) HU in delayed phase. In arterial phase, 15 cases showed marked enhancement in parenchyma, 5 cases showed moderate enhancement, and 7 cases showed mild enhancement. In venous phase, the degree of enhancement decreased significantly in 5 cases, slightly in 15 cases, and continued in 7 cases. In delayed phase, the degree of enhancement decreased in 20 cases and continued in 7 cases. Conclusions The CT findings of ectopic pheochromocytoma have certain characteristics, CT examination is helpful to locate and characterize ectopic pheochromocytoma and to clarify the relationship between tumor and surrounding tissue structure.