Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Unilateral Adrenal Infarction: A Case of Colicky Right Upper Quadrant Pain in a Pregnant Female

Abstract

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) non-contrast sequence that can indicate tissue ischemia or infarction. Adrenal infarct may present similarly to biliary or gallbladder pathologies, and the differential diagnosis during emergency work-up can be narrowed utilizing DWI sequences. In this paper, we describe the usefulness of DWI for urgent diagnosis in a case of nonhemorrhagic adrenal infarct of a pregnant female presenting with right upper quadrant pain. Although uncommon, adrenal infarct may occur in patients with hypercoagulability and localizing pain that is unexplained by other imaging modalities. We outline the imaging features of DWI in evaluating adrenal infarct as a safe and time effective application for patients with contraindications to imaging with ionizing radiation.