CT findings of adrenal glands in patients with tuberculous Addison's disease.

The CT findings of adrenals in 18 cases of tuberculous Addison's disease are reported. All cases demonstrated bilateral adrenal involvement, 35 glands with active tuberculosis appeared enlarged and one with non-active tuberculosis showed an atrophic gland with calcification. Areas of non-enhancing necrosis in the enlarged adrenals were seen in 34 glands (17 cases), among them 19 glands showed peripheral rim enhancement. In the 35 enlarged adrenals 25 glands had preserved contours. Small calcification dots in the adrenals were seen in 7 glands with active tuberculosis (4 cases). The CT signs of active tuberculous adrenalitis associated with Addison's disease were enlarged glands associated with large necrotic areas, with or without dot-like calcification. When the contours of the adrenals were preserved, the diagnosis of infectious disease could be made with increased confidence. Tuberculous adrenalitis should not be excluded when the enlarged adrenal glands appear mass-liking. CT study of the morphological changes of adrenal glands on patients with Addison's disease might help to define the etiology of the disease and contribute to treatment planning.