: To determine the prevalence of 'fat-poor' adrenal adenomas at chemical-shift-MRI.

: This prospective IRB approved study identified 104 consecutive patients with 127 indeterminate adrenal masses that underwent 1.5-T chemical-shift-MRI between 2021-2023. Two blinded radiologists independently measured: 1) 2-Dimensionsal (2D) chemical-shift signal intensity (SI)-index on 2D Chemical-shift-MRI (SI-index >16.5% diagnosed presence of microscopic fat), 2) unenhanced CT attenuation (in cases where unenhanced CT was available).

: From 127 adrenal masses, there were 94% (119/127) adenomas and 6% (8/127) other masses (2 pheochromocytoma, 5 metastases, 1 lymphoma). 98% (117/119) adenomas had SI-Index >16.5%, only 2% (2/119) adenomas were 'fat-poor' by MRI. SI-Index >16.5% was 100% specific for adenoma, all other masses had SI-Index <16.5%. Unenhanced CT was available in 43% (55/127) lesions (50 adenomas, 5 other masses). 34% (17/50) adenomas were lipid-poor (>10 HU). Percentage of adenomas with SI-Index >16.5% were: 1) ≤10 HU, 100% (33/33), 2) 11-29 HU, 100% (12/12), 3) ≥30 HU, 60% (3/5). No other masses had attenuation ≤10 HU (0/5).

: Fat-poor adrenal adenomas are uncommon using 2D chemical-shift signal intensity index >16.5% at 1.5-T, occurring in approximately 2% of adenomas in this large prospective series.

To compare image quality and detection of microscopic fat in adrenal adenomas imaged with 2-D and 3-D chemical shift imaging (CSI) and, to derive parameters which best match 2-D and 3-D-CSI.

This two-phase, retrospective, and phantom + prospective study was IRB approved. First, a retrospective assessment of 50 consecutive adrenal adenomas imaged at 1.5 T with 2-D (TR minimum, Flip Angle [FA] 70°, TE 2.2/4.4 ms.) and 3-D (TR minimum, FA 10°, TE 2.2/4.4 ms.] CSI was performed. Second, phantom (varied fat: water concentration) experiments guided a prospective assessment of 12 consecutive adrenal adenomas imaged at 1.5 T with 3-D CSI (FA 10°, 18°). Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated: image quality, signal intensity (SI) cancellation (5-point Likert scale), and CSI-index ([SI.In.Phase-SI.Opposed.Phase/SI.In.Phase]*100).

2-D-CSI yielded higher image quality (p < 0.001) and, subjectively (p < 0.001) and quantitatively (p < 0.001) had more SI cancellation from microscopic fat. Proportion of adenomas with no detectable microscopic fat (3-D; 26-36% subjectively, 18-24% quantitatively [CSI-index < 16.5%] versus 2-D; 20-22% subjectively, 6-8% quantitatively) differed (p = 0.008-0.08 subjectively, 0.008-0.03 quantitatively) by CSI technique. Phantom experiments indicated 18°FA 3-D-CSI compared favorably to 70° 2-D-CSI for fat detection between 5% and 50%. In vivo, there was no differences in subjective or quantitative SI cancellation comparing 18°3D-CSI and 2D-CSI (p = 0.16-0.56 and 0.73-0.60). Greater SI cancellation occurred with 18°3D compared to 10°3D-CSI evaluated subjectively (p = 0.003-0.01).

2-D CSI has subjectively higher image quality and shows more signal intensity loss from microscopic fat in adrenal adenomas compared to 10° flip angle 3-D-CSI. Increasing the 3-D flip angle to 18° more closely matches depiction of microscopic fat to 2-D-CSI at 1.5 T.

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data to evaluate the utility of chemical shift imaging (CSI) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and non-adenomas.

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool. A bivariate random effect model was used to determine summary and subgroup sensitivity and specificity and calculate summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC).

Eighteen studies with 1138 patients and 1280 lesions (859 adenomas, 421 non-adenomas) in total were included. In addition to summary analysis, quantitative analyses of the adrenal signal intensity index (SII, 978 lesions, 14 studies), adrenal-to-spleen ratio (ASR; 394 lesions, 7 studies) and visual analysis (560 lesions, 5 studies) were performed. The resultant data showed considerable heterogeneity (inconsistency index I² of 94%, based on the diagnostic odds ratio, DOR). The pooled sensitivity of CSI for adenoma was 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.97] and pooled specificity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.89-0.97). The area (AUC) under the SROC curve was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99). The corresponding AUCs were 0.98, 0.99 and 0.95 for SII, ASR and visual evaluation, respectively.

CSI has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for adrenal adenoma. Diagnostic performance does not improve when quantitative indices are used.

• Inclusion of CSI in abdominal MRI protocols provides an effective solution for classifying adrenal masses discovered on MR exams • Visual evaluation of adrenal CSI is sufficient; use of quantitative indices does not improve diagnostic accuracy.

To describe a modified approach to the evaluation of adrenal nodules using a standard abdominal magnetic resonance imaging protocol.

Our sample comprised 149 subjects (collectively presenting with 132 adenomas and 40 nonadenomas). The adrenal signal intensity index was calculated. Lesions were grouped by pattern of enhancement (PE), according to the phase during which the wash-in peaked: arterial phase (type 1 PE); portal venous phase (type 2 PE); and interstitial phase (type 3 PE). The relative and absolute wash-out values were calculated. To test for mean differences between adenomas and nonadenomas, Student's t-tests were used. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was also performed.

The mean adrenal signal intensity index was significantly higher for the adenomas than for the nonadenomas (p < 0.0001). Chemical shift imaging showed a sensitivity and specificity of 94.4% and 100%, respectively, for differentiating adenomas from nonadenomas. Of the adenomas, 47.6%, 48.5%, and 3.9%, respectively, exhibited type 1, 2, and 3 PEs. For the mean wash-in proportions, significant differences were found among the enhancement patterns. The wash-out calculations revealed a trend toward better lesion differentiation for lesions exhibiting a type 1 PE, showing a sensitivity and specificity of 71.4% and 80.0%, respectively, when the absolute values were referenced, as well as for lesions exhibiting a type 2 PE, showing a sensitivity and specificity of 68.0% and 100%, respectively, when the relative values were referenced. The calculated probability of a lipid-poor lesion that exhibited a type 3 PE being a nonadenoma was > 99%.

Subgrouping dynamic enhancement patterns yields high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating adenomas from nonadenomas.

With the widespread of cross-sectional imaging, a growth of incidentally detected focal liver lesions (FLL) has been observed. A reliable detection and characterization of FLL is critical for optimal patient management. Maximizing accuracy of imaging in the context of FLL is paramount in avoiding unnecessary biopsies, which may result in post-procedural complications. A tremendous development of new imaging techniques has taken place during these last years. Nowadays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in management of liver lesions, using a radiation-free technique and a safe contrast agent profile. MRI plays a key role in the non-invasive correct characterization of FLL. MRI is capable of providing comprehensive and highly accurate diagnostic information, with the additional advantage of lack of harmful ionizing radiation. These properties make MRI the mainstay for the noninvasive evaluation of focal liver lesions. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art MRI liver protocol, briefly discussing different sequence types, the unique characteristics of imaging non-cooperative patients and discuss the role of hepatocyte-specific contrast agents. A review of the imaging features of the most common benign and malignant FLL is presented, supplemented by a schematic representation of a simplistic practical approach on MRI.

To evaluate the value of the nonenhanced single-source dual-energy computed tomography (ssDECT) in differentiating metastases from adenomas in adrenal glands.

This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was waived. One hundred twelve patients (66 men:46 women; mean age, 58 years) with 63 adrenal metastases (AMs) and 64 adrenal adenomas (AAs) underwent a plain dual-energy spectral CT imaging from August 2011 to December 2013 were included. The fat (water) density (DFa [Wa]) from the material decomposition (MD) images and CT number and effective atomic number (eff-Z) from the virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) image sets were measured for the AMs and AAs. The spectral Hounsfield unit (HU) curve (CT number as a function of photon energy from 40 to 140 keV) was generated, and its slope (K) was calculated. The difference of these parameters between AMs and AAs was statistically compared by the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves were used to compare the diagnostic efficacies of these measures in the identification of AAs and AMs. The distribution of spectral HU curve was analyzed using the chi-square test in terms of its slope K: ascending (K > 0.1), straight (-0.1 ≤ K ≤ 0.1), and descending (K < -0.1).

1) The CT number (medium, range) of metastases (50.47, 29.93 HU at 40 keV and 29.00, 9.36 HU at 140 keV) was significantly higher than that of adenomas (-0.76, 33.04 to 13.73, 18.96 HU) at each energy level from 40 to 140 keV (P < .05). 2) The fat concentration of metastases (-177.37, 296.38 mg/mL) was statistically lower than that of adenomas (126.73, 328.07 mg/mL; P < .05). 3) The eff-Z of metastases (7.76, 0.23) was significantly higher than that of adenomas (7.42, 0.32; P < .05). 4) With CT number of VMS image at 40 keV of 21.78 HU as a threshold, the sensitivity and specificity for differentiating metastases from adenomas was 92.1% and 76.6%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.90. 5) The spectral curve types included 3.2% (2 of 63) ascending, 20.6% (13 of 63) straight, and 76.2% (48 of 63) descending for the metastases, whereas the corresponding numbers were 60.9% (39 of 64), 21.9% (14 of 64), and 17.2% (11 of 64) for the adenomas. The difference was statistically significant (X(2) = 56.63; P < .05).

The nonenhanced ssDECT enables a multiparametric approach to provide an excellent sensitivity for identifying AMs from AAs.

The purpose of this paper was to study the value of 18-FDG PET/CT and reassess the value of CT for the characterization of indeterminate adrenal masses. 66 patients with 67 indeterminate adrenal masses were included in our study. CT/MRI images and 18F-FDG PET/CT data were evaluated blindly for tumor morphology, enhancement features, apparent diffusion coefficient values, maximum standardized uptake values, and adrenal-to-liver maxSUV ratio. The study population comprised pathologically confirmed 16 adenomas, 19 metastases, and 32 adrenocortical carcinomas. Macroscopic fat was observed in 62.5% of the atypical adenomas at CT but not in malignant masses. On 18F-FDG PET/CT, SUVmax and adrenal-to-liver maxSUV ratio were significantly lower in adenomas than in malignant tumors. An SUVmax value of less than 3.7 or an adrenal-to-liver maxSUV ratio of less than 1.29 is highly predictive of benignity.

To study signal intensity (SI) of the fetal liver by MRI in-phase and out-of-phase over gestational age (GA).

A total of 91 pregnant women from 19 to 38 gestational weeks were imaged using MRI. Liver-to-spleen SI ratios of the right and left fetal liver lobes on in-phase and out-of-phase were measured, calculated, and compared with each other. Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the right and left liver lobe were plotted by GA.

Liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the right lobe on in-phase was different from that of the left liver lobe (t = 3.95; p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was also found for out-of-phase SI ratios (t = 3.69; p < 0.001). Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratio of the fetal liver on in-phase and out-of-phase showed changes against GA.

Liver-to-spleen SI ratio is different between the right and left liver lobe, which probably results from the different blood supply. Curves of liver-to-spleen SI ratios between 19 to 38 gestational weeks reflect the changes of decreasing function of blood production by fetal liver. In-phase and out-of-phase may have clinical use in the early detection of disordered fetal growth and metabolism.