Volume assessment of normal adrenal gland from computed tomography: A pilot study

Abstract

Background : In clinical practice, it is quite difficult to differentiate pathologic adrenal hyperplasia from normal adrenal gland enlargement especially in the elderly. CT scan is so far the best technique to detect and measure the size of the glands. We, hereby, try to evaluate the volume of the adrenal gland through CT scan in several age groups of Thai people to identify its normal range.

Objective : To establish age-specific ranges of the volume of a normal adrenal gland in adult patients by using CT scan.

Setting : Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.

Research Design : Cross sectional descriptive study.

Material and Methods : A total of 154 patients who underwent CT scan that included bilateral adrenal glands from September 2012 to March 2013 were prospectively selected on a 320-MDCT scanner, using KCMH CT protocol. The volumes of the adrenal glands were taken bilaterally, by hand outlining in axial post contrast image on workstation.

Results : In total, 154 patients who underwent CT scan that included adrenal glands were included in this study; 81 men, 73 women; mean age, 62 years. The right and left adrenal gland volumes increased with age (r = 0.485, and 0.381, respectively in male population and r = 0.572, and 0.441, respectively in female population, all P <0.001). The volume of adrenal glands were increased in male population as compared to female population, scientific significant P <0.001.

Conclusion : Normal range of adrenal volume in Thai populations was done by CT scan and confirmed that adrenal volume gland volumes increase by age and more larger in male population in the same age group.