Adrenal cyst

Case contributed by Daniel J Bell
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Large right suprarenal lesion found incidentally on presenting CT (not shown). CT with contrast to evaluate further.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male
ct

8 x 8 cm cystic lesion (axial, coronal) with partial mural calcification inseparable from the right adrenal gland and in close proximity to the superior pole of the right kidney. 2.5 x 1.5 cm lobulated component arises from the inferolateral aspect of the lesion.

Case Discussion

An ultrasound performed eight years earlier (images not available) showed a similar slightly smaller cystic lesion in the right adrenal region. 

Adrenal cysts are rare. Usually they are benign.

In 1966, Dale G Foster subclassified adrenal cysts into four main types based on histopathological evaluation of 115 cases: epithelial cysts, parasitic cysts, especially hydatid, pseudocysts and endothelial cysts. In this series, endothelial cysts were the commonest type. Although other studies since have found pseudocysts to be more common 2.

It was decided that since the cyst in this case was an incidental pick up and the patient was not symptomatic from it to manage it conservatively. Therefore the exact type of cyst has never been ascertained.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.