Atypical imaging features of adrenal gland lesions in children - report of three cases and review of literature

Clinical value of serial ultrasonography in the dynamic observation of foetal cystic adrenal lesions

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in cystic lesions of the adrenal gland.

METHODS

Twenty-two cases of adrenal cystic lesions found in the foetal period were retrospectively analysed. All foetuses were followed up by ultrasound after birth, and all lesions were confirmed by operation or ultrasound-guided biopsy.

RESULTS

Sixteen foetuses displayed anechoic findings, and 6 had patchy mixed echoic findings. Nevertheless, the characteristics of these lesions changed in the neonatal period: 7 cases presented as anechoic and 15 cases presented as mixed echoic. The final pathology revealed simple cysts in 7 cases, intracystic haemorrhage in 9 cases, and 6 cases of spontaneous haemorrhage of the adrenal glands.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasonographic findings of foetal cystic lesions in the adrenal gland and the change they undergo after birth may provide valuable information for clinical diagnosis.