Cava-suprarenal line: new position for sonographic imaging of left adrenal gland.

Because of overlying attenuating structures, sonographic imaging of the left adrenal gland is often difficult, especially in obese or pediatric patients. In a series of 50 consecutive patients, the left adrenal glands were examined in both the conventional right posterior oblique (RPO) position and using the new cava-suprarenal line (CSL) position. The CSL position permitted identification of the left adrenal gland in 90% of the patients; in contrast, the gland could be demonstrated in only 60% of the patients using the conventional RPO position. With the CSL position, the left adrenal gland could be imaged in half the time required with the conventional RPO position. The improved ability to demonstrate the left adrenal gland as well as the reduction in the required scanning time was particularly marked in obese and pediatric patients.