Gray scale ultrasonography of adrenal neoplasms

Ultrasonic characteristics of 21 adrenal neoplasms (19 patients) examined by gray scale ultrasonography are reviewed. The significance of the adrenal-renal cleavage plane is discussed. In our experience the cleavage plane only has definite localization value when it separates the adrenal gland from the kidney on all ultrasonographic sections. Compression of the posterior wall and/or anterior displacement of the inferior vena cava was seen in about two-thirds of the right adrenal tumors. The difficulty in examining left adrenal masses is emphasized. Ultrasonography has proved to be an excellent screening procedure for adrenal tumors.