Never biopsy an adrenal mass without first ruling out Pheochromocytoma biochemically. Biopsy of a pheochromocytoma can cause catastrophic hypertensive crisis.
Verified
Last Review: 2026
| Hounsfield Units (HU) | Size | Malignancy Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 10 HU | Any | Near 0% (Lipid-rich adenoma) | No further imaging needed |
| 11 - 20 HU | < 4 cm | Low | Repeat imaging in 6-12 months or consider washout protocol |
| > 20 HU | < 4 cm | Moderate | CT washout protocol or MRI chemical shift |
| Any (>10 HU) | ≥ 4 cm | High | Surgical consultation (Adrenalectomy) |
Fassnacht M et al. • Eur J Endocrinol. 2016;Primary reference for HU and size cutoffs.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026
Clinical Context
We think this has broad domain relevance to Adrenal Incidentaloma Malignancy Risk.
Clinical Context
We think this has broad domain relevance to Adrenal Incidentaloma Malignancy Risk.
Clinical Context
We think this has broad domain relevance to Adrenal Incidentaloma Malignancy Risk.
