Mature teratomas of the adrenal gland: imaging features

Abstract

Background: We describe the imaging features of three, histologically confirmed, mature teratomas of the adrenal gland not described previously in the radiologic literature and discuss the differential diagnosis of lipomatous tumors of the adrenal gland. Methods: Computed tomographic (n = 3), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 1), and sonographic (n = 1) features were reviewed retrospectively and the findings correlated with gross pathology and histology. Results: There were two females (age 8 and 18 years) and one male (age 17 years). Tumor size ranged from 5 to 11 cm (mean = 7.3 cm). All tumors were well circumscribed and contained fat components. Calcification was demonstrated in two tumors and was the predominant component in one. Only one was cystic. Conclusion: The radiologic features of these tumors were typical of mature teratomas occurring elsewhere in the body. This should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lipomatous tumors of the adrenal gland, especially in children and adolescents.