Abstract
We read with much interest the article by Harisinghani et al. [ 1 Harisinghani M.G Maher M.M Hahn P.F Gervais D.A Jhaveri K Varghese J Mueller P.R Predictive value of benign percutaneous adrenal biopsies in oncology patients. Clin Radiol. 2002; 57: 898-901 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (64) Google Scholar ], in the October 2002 issue of the Clinical Radiology. We agree with the great value of CT-guided adrenal biopsies in oncology patients in whom obtaining benign adrenal tissue is highly predictive of benignity. In addition, we would like to take the opportunity to mention a rare false-negative result of adrenal gland biopsies [ 2 Katz R Shirkhoda A Diagnostic approach to incidental adrenal nodules in cancer patient. Cancer. 1985; 55: 1995-2000 Crossref PubMed Scopus (99) Google Scholar ]. From our previous experience [ 3 Mesurolle B Ariche-Cohen M Tardivon A Gilles R Couanet D Vanel D Retrospective analysis of 44 adrenal puncture biopsies under computed tomographic guidance. J Radiol. 1996; 77: 17-21 PubMed Google Scholar ], we encountered a false-negative result related to a well-differentiated 4 cm adrenocortical carcinoma, which was diagnosed as adenoma on initial biopsy in a 57-year-old patient with lung carcinoma. However, the heterogeneous peripheral enhancement on contrast CT was suspicious enough to lead us to surgically remove this lesion. This represents a classic but rare false-negative result. Adrenal adenoma and adrenocortical carcinoma may be difficult to distinguish histopathologically. The probability that some tumours diagnosed as adenoma may represent small, well differentiated, non-functioning adrenocortical carcinoma is extremely rare in view of the very low prevalence and their usually large size at presentation. However, when a discrepancy exists between imaging and pathology results, surgical intervention is advocated [ 2 Katz R Shirkhoda A Diagnostic approach to incidental adrenal nodules in cancer patient. Cancer. 1985; 55: 1995-2000 Crossref PubMed Scopus (99) Google Scholar ].
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
