CT findings and pathology comparative analysis of ectopic pheochromocytoma in the abdomen / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the CT characteristics of ectopic pheochromocytoma in the abdomen.Methods The CT characteristics of 31 cases of ectopic pheochromocytoma in abdomen proved by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between the density,cystic change,calcification,boundary,the enhancement degree and pathological types and tumor tissue components were studied.Results The tumors location was9 cases in mesentery,8 cases adjacent to abdominal aorta(7 on the left and1 right),3 cases above the adrenal gland(2 on the right and 1 left),3 cases outside the renal hilum(1 on the right and 2 left),3 cases behind the inferior venacava,3 cases in hepatic hilum,and 2 cases in duodenal ampulla.Tumor size ranged from 2.7 cm ×2.5 cm to 18.0 cm × 11.0 cm(average 6.8 cm ×5.6 cm).CT plain scanthe CT value was 32-58 Hu for the substantial part(average 45 Hu),18 to 25 Hu for the cystic necrosis part (average 21.5 Hu).28 cases had clear boundary and tumor boundary in 3 cases was not clear.24 cases had equal density of the substantial part,7 cases had high density of the substantial part.21 had irregular low-density areas of necrosis in the mass center.8 cases had punctiform,patchy or linear calcification in the mass.Enhanced CTCT value in arterial phase was 47-105 Hu of the substantial part(average 76 Hu),among which tortuous expansion within the enhanced vascular shadow of the tumor was found in 8 cases.CT value in venous phase was 45 to 90 Hu of the substantial part(average 65Hu),among which 7 cases had obviously decreased density in parenchymal enhancement part,19 cases slightly decreased,and 5 cases strengthened constantly.CT value in delayed phase was 42 to 70 Hu of the substantial part(average 56 Hu),among which 26 cases had less enhancement degree of the substantial part compared to that in the arterial and venous phase,and 5 cases had constant enhancement.Conclusions Ectopic pheochromocytoma in the abdomen has certain characteristic in CT.CT characteristics are correlated with pathologic types and tissue components.CT findings combined with clinical manifestation may suggest diagnosis.