MRI of pheochromocytoma

MRI features of 8 patients were reviewed and correlated with pathological findings. It was characteristic finding that the intensity of pheochromocytoma on T2-weighted image and proton image was very high. The detectability of pheochromocytoma by MRI and CT was almost equal and MRI was also useful for determining aberrant pheochromocytoma. MRI was more helpful for detection of necrotic lesion than CT. We considered that the double ring sign on MRI was characteristic for pheochromocytoma. In the cases which are difficult for diagnosis, other diagnostic studies such as endocrine and other imaging studies are necessary.