Adrenal incidentalomas: unresolved diagnostic issues

Abstract

In this review paper, we present data on the prevalence, etiology, and diagnostic methods of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). AIs are tumors larger than 1 cm in size that are accidentally detected using various imaging tests. AIs are known to be responsible for secondary arterial hypertension associated with the risk of cardiovascular complications. Dual-energy CT and radiomics are promising diagnostic technologies for AIs. The conducted literature review points to the problems of verifying the hormonal profile of these tumors, which is particularly relevant in cases of bilateral adrenal lesions. We discuss the diagnostic value of comparative selective adrenal venous sampling (AVS) for determining the site of hormone hyperproduction. Despite technical challenges, AVS remains the most informative diagnostic tool for pathological process lateralization.