The Value Of MSCT In Diagnosing Pheochromocytoma And Identification Between Benign And Malignant Pheochromocytoma

Objective To investigate the multi-slice spiral computed tomography(MSCT) findings of pheochromocytoma,and to discuss the values of different MSCT features in identification between benign pheochromocytoma and malignant pheochromocytoma,to comprenhensive evaluate the diagnostic role of MSCT in patients with pheochromocytoma.Methods 80 cases of pheochromocytoma in adrenal glands were collected,including 55 cases confirmed as benign group and 25 as malignant group.All patients were undergone routine CT scan without contrast,and further contrast-enhanced MSCT by peripherally intravenous bolus injection of iodinated contrast agent with flow rates at 2.5~4.0mL/s, after conventional injection 28~35s starting arterial phase scan,and 70~80s portal phase scan.When localization of the lesions is difficult to make,and when diagnosis is hard to do, we transfered raw data to GE workstation AW4.4 row MPR,and made multiplane reconstructions of the lesions and interest areas, with the thickness of 1.25 mm.The MSCT features of 80 cases of pheochromocytoma verified pathologically after operation were analyzed retrospectively in comparison with the pathologic outcomes. All data were statistically analyzed by Pearson χ2 test.Results The study group consists of 80 cases with complete medical imaging data and histopathological data through surgery.Of the 80 cases of pheochromocytoma, the MSCT sensitivity for localization diagnosis is 100%(80/80).Of the malignant pheochromocytoma,the specitivity for qualitative diagnosis was 40%(10/25). More than one lesion, the maximal diameter more than 5cm, irregular shape and calcification, are the signs of malignancy, with statistically significance between benign and malignant pheochromocytoma(P<0.05).However, the cystis degeneration and the degree of enhancement show no significant difference between benign and malignant groups.Conclusion MSCT has a high sensitivity for the localization of pheochromocytoma in adrenal glands.Comprenhensive analysis of all the related MSCT signs may raise the accuracy of qualitative diagnosis between benign and malignant pheochromocytoma..