Sonography of adrenal pheochromocytomas

The sonographic features of eight surgically confirmed pheochromocytomas are described and correlated with pathologic findings. The purely solid masses were homogeneous or heterogeneous sonographically. Pathologic examination of the gross specimen provided explanations for the variety of sonographic findings. Two tumors had large cystic components due to old blood. Other hypoechoic areas corresponded to necrosis pathologically. Hyperechoic areas represented hemorrhage. Generally, pheochromocytomas are quite large, sharply marginated, and usually have a significant solid component with or without central necrosis or hemorrhage. Recognition of these features should facilitate their identification on sonography.