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Adrenal imaging with $sup 131$I-19-iodocholesterol in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with aldosteronism

Journal Article · · J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., v. 42, no. 1, pp. 41-51
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-42-1-41· OSTI ID:4030827

The results of adrenal scintiscans, venograms, and venous aldosterone levels are compared with the histologic findings in 33 patients submitted to operations for primary aldosteronism. Standard and suppression scintiscans were performed 2 to 14 days following intravenous administration of 2 mCi of $sup 131$I-19-iodocholesterol. The adrenal lesions were histologically classified into four categories: 25 patients had adenomas, 6 had macronodular hyperplasia, 1 had microscopic hyperplasia, and 1 had an adenocarcinoma. Asymmetrical uptake between the two adrenals seen on standard scintiscans did not differentiate between a tumor or asymmetrical hyperplasia, unless the tumor was greater than 2 cm in diameter. During suppression scintiscans, unilateral uptake visible within five days of the tracer injection was consistent with adenoma. Patients with nodular hyperplasia demonstrated early uptake in both adrenal glands during suppression scintiscans, while the patient with microscopic hyperplasia did not. The type of adrenal lesion was correctly identified in 20/26 (77 percent) of patients by suppression scintiscans; 21/28 (75 percent) of patients by venograms and 12/16 (75 percent) of patients who had adrenal venous aldosterone measurements attempted. The majority of surgically correctible lesions could be identified on suppression adrenal scintiscans. Adrenal vein catheterization can be reserved for those patients in whom the results of suppression scintiscans are inconsistent with the clinical degree of aldosteronism. (auth)

Research Organization:
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-026356
OSTI ID:
4030827
Journal Information:
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., v. 42, no. 1, pp. 41-51, Journal Name: J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., v. 42, no. 1, pp. 41-51; ISSN JCEMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English