Published online Oct 28, 2015. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v7.i10.336
Peer-review started: April 13, 2015
First decision: August 15, 2015
Revised: August 25, 2015
Accepted: September 10, 2015
Article in press: September 16, 2015
Published online: October 28, 2015
Processing time: 197 Days and 18.5 Hours
As one kind of infectious diseases of adrenal gland, adrenal tuberculosis can result in a life-threatening disorder which is called primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) due to the destruction of adrenal cortex. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play significant roles in the diagnosis of this etiology of PAI based on the CT and MRI appearances of the adrenal lesions. In this mini-review, we intend to study the CT and MRI features of adrenal tuberculosis, which could be helpful to both endocrinologist and radiologist to establish a definitive diagnosis for adrenal tuberculosis resulting in PAI.
Core tip: Adrenal tuberculosis is an important cause of the primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) due to the destruction of adrenal cortex. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play vital roles in the diagnosis of this etiology of PAI based on the CT and MRI appearances of the adrenal lesions. We herein discuss the CT and MRI technique, manifestations, the role of CT and MRI in a definitive diagnosis for adrenal tuberculosis resulting in PAI.