Adrenal Glands MRI

Adrenal Glands: Information & Get a Scan

The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and are one of the workhorses of our endocrine system. They are responsible for a variety of hormone production, including cortisol also known as the stress hormone. According to research, it is estimated 4 in 100,000 adults are affected by adrenal insufficiency.

Hormones affect various parts of the body. If you are experiencing adrenal issues, the symptoms can present themselves in a multitude of ways. If your doctor suspects an adrenal abnormality, they might order an MRI scan.

What Is An Adrenal MRI?

An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scan is a diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate images of specific structures in the body. The MRI machine will take images–called slices–as it moves across three planes:

1. Axial - Top to bottom
2. Coronal - Front to back
3. Sagittal - Side to side

Each image represents a snapshot of the structures as the machine moves from one side of the plane to the other.

Your adrenal glands are small, triangle-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys and are responsible for hormone production. In an adrenal MRI, the machine produces images of soft adrenal tissue. This allows doctors to identify areas of healthy tissue and unhealthy tissue. In addition to inflammation or potential infection.

Why You Might Need an Adrenal Glands MRI Scan

There are two adrenal glands, and together, they form part of the body’s endocrine system and support blood pressure regulation - the left adrenal gland sits on top of the left kidney, and the right adrenal gland sits on top of the right kidney. Each adrenal gland consists of an outer adrenal cortex and an inner adrenal medulla that both produce important hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. 

The adrenal glands can develop various conditions, such as:

• Adrenal nodules

• Malignant adrenal masses 

• Benign adrenal tumours

• Adrenal gland tumours

Signs of adrenal insufficiency or a problem with your adrenal glands include:

• Low blood pressure

• Low blood sugar

• Dizziness

• Unexplained, excessive tiredness 

• Muscle fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Sweating

• Irregular periods

• Salt cravings

• Dark patches of skin

If your doctor suspects you may have an adrenal disorder, they will recommend adrenal imaging using MRI technology. 

What an Adrenal Gland MRI Scan Can Diagnose

An adrenal gland MRI scan can diagnose a range of medical conditions including the following:

• Adrenal Adenoma - adrenal adenomas are a common type of non-cancerous, or benign, adrenal tumour. 

• Adrenal Carcinoma (also known as adrenocortical carcinomas) - an adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is the most common adrenal tumour and is often an aggressive type of malignant tumour.

• Pheochromocytoma - an adrenal lesion in the medulla; when doctors examine adrenal masses originating from the medulla, most are benign, rather than malignant lesions. 

• Adrenal Metastasis - adrenal metastases are secondary tumours forming in the adrenal glands that have travelled, usually via the lymph nodes, from a primary tumour elsewhere in the body, such as lung cancer. 

• Adrenal Haemorrhage - bleeding within the adrenal glands. 

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia - a group of diseases that someone is born with, that affect the adrenal glands. 

• Adrenal Cysts - sacs filled with fluid that can form inside the adrenal glands. 

• Myelolipoma - a benign, slow-growing type of adrenal tumour. 

• Lymphoma - a rare, but aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the adrenal glands. 

• Cushing’s Syndrome - a disorder caused by long-term exposure to cortisol, sometimes linked to adrenal tumours or tumors in the pituitary gland. 

Can an Adrenal MRI Detect Cancer?

Yes, an adrenal MRI can help detect adrenal cancer, but it's usually used alongside other tests for a complete diagnosis, including:

• Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• PET Scan

All of these tools can be effective in detecting potentially cancerous cells. However, it has been shown that MRI can better distinguish between adrenal cancers and benign tumours.

What Are the Symptoms of Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease is also known as adrenal insufficiency. It is an uncommon condition that causes your body to produce too little of certain hormones–primarily cortisol and aldosterone. The symptoms usually develop slowly and include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Extremely low blood sugar
• Excessive salt or sweet cravings
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle or joint pain
• Weakness
• Depression

Although Addison’s disease is rare if you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms you should consult your doctor.

How an MRI Scan of the Adrenal Glands Works

The radio waves and strong magnetic fields used during an MRI scan temporarily disrupt the hydrogen atoms in the body. Each tissue, from dense bone to organs, blood vessels and soft tissues, emits a different level of energy when the hydrogen atoms are disrupted. An MRI scanner will detect these differences and turn them into an image that is then read and assessed for abnormalities by a radiologist. 

Equipment Used

An MRI scanner is a large, doughnut-shaped instrument. A medical table is used to slowly move patients in and out of the machine, and computers are used to create MRI images. 

Benefits

MRI scans are generally safe for most patients. They’re a quick, simple and routine way of creating high-resolution images of the inside of the body to detect adrenal tumours and other benign or malignant tumours affecting the adrenal glands. Unlike CT scans and x-rays, they don’t require ionising radiation, and therefore don’t carry a risk of radiation exposure. 

Risks

MRI scans are generally safe for most people, but those with claustrophobia or who find it difficult to remain still may struggle once inside an MRI machine. If you think you may struggle, speak to your doctor who may be able to prescribe a mild sedative. 

Some, older, medical devices, such as cochlear implants and pacemakers are made from metal that cannot enter an MRI machine. If you have any metal inside your body, speak to your medical team. 

Some people develop an allergic reaction to the dyes used in contrast MRI scans, especially those who have poor kidney function. Symptoms of a reaction include breathlessness, excessive sweating and feeling flushed. If you feel at all unswell during your MRI scan, let your radiographer know straight away. 

How to Prepare For An Adrenal MRI?

An MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. Therefore it requires minimal preparation and after the procedure is complete you can continue your regular daily activities. There are some requirements on the day of your adrenal MRI scan including,

• Avoid eating or drinking for 3–4 hours – unless otherwise advised by your doctor
• Fill out a medical history – remember to include if you are pregnant, or have any permanent implant medical devices
• Have a contrast IV – if required for the type of scan

Those suffering from anxiety about being in a confined space may take a mild sedative to relax. If you have chosen to take a sedative, you will need to arrange transportation after your procedure.

The Procedure Explained: What to Expect

1. Pre-Scan Questionnaire - your radiographer will take your medical history and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. 

2. Clothing Change and Removal of Metal - metallic objects cannot be taken into an MRI scanner, so all jewelry, watches, hair clips and removable devices such as hearing aids must be removed. You’ll be given a medical gown to wear. Speak to your medical team if you have any non-removable devices including pacemakers, valves, pumps and mesh. 

3. IV Contrast Preparation (If Needed) - a contrast dye may be used to better highlight the blood vessels and soft tissues. 

4. Positioning on the MRI Table - your radiographer will help you into position, laying flat on your back. You’ll be given a headset or earphones to help reduce the sound the MRI machine makes. 

5. Coil Placement Over Abdomen - a coil is a special device that allows for better visualisation of the adrenal glands on the MRI images. 

6. Contrast Injection During Scan (If Needed) - if you’re having a contrast dye MRI scan, the dye will be injected into a vein in your arm. 

7. MRI Scan Initiation - the MRI table will begin to move slowly into the MRI machine, your head will enter the machine first - your lower body may not enter the machine at all. 

8. Completion and Image Review - your radiographer will control the scanner remotely from another room, but you’ll be able to communicate with them through an intercom. 

What Happens After an Adrenal Gland MRI Scan?

Once your radiographer is happy they have the right images, your MRI scan will be over and you’ll be able to get dressed. If you’ve had a dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan, you’ll be asked to remain in the clinic for half an hour to monitor you for signs of an allergic reaction. 

What Is The Cost of An Adrenal MRI?

The average cost of an MRI in the UK is £363.

At Scan.com, the cost of an MRI is as low as £289. The benefit of choosing a private MRI scan is a reduced wait time. The average wait time for an MRI through the NHS is up to 18 weeks. However, at our centres, you can schedule an appointment in as little as 5 working days.

Getting the Results

Your radiologist will discuss your results with your referring doctor before contacting you to discuss them. This may take a few days, depending on your clinic. 

Normal vs Abnormal Results

Your radiologist will be able to make a diagnosis or rule certain adrenal disorders out based on your MRI findings. If they discover an abnormal result, suggesting cancerous lesions, benign tumours or other adrenal diseases, they will discuss your next steps with you. They may suggest medications to support the adrenal hormones or adrenal gland surgery. Some asymptomatic patients (patients with no symptoms) may have normal or abnormal results, but it’s important to trust your doctor and to listen to their advice. 

Get an Adrenal Gland MRI Scan

If you’re concerned about an adrenal lesion, an adrenal tumour or any other kind of adrenal disease, getting an MRI scan as soon as possible is crucial for getting the right treatment. Skip the queues and book a private adrenal MRI scan with us today.

FAQs

What Kind of MRI Is Used for Adrenal Glands?

Chemical shift imaging, T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI scans are used in a standard adrenal protocol. Chemical shift MR imaging checks fat levels in the adrenal glands by measuring the signal intensity index, which indicates the difference between lipid-rich adenomas with a low signal intensity and lipid-poor adenomas. 

How Long Does an Adrenal Gland MRI Take?

You can expect your scan to last between 30 and 60 minutes, longer if you’re having a contrast dye MRI or an added investigation such as diffusion weighted imaging (to measure water molecules in your tissues to check for swelling). 

References

1. https://www.adrenal.com/adrenal-tumors/scans
2. https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/medicalImaging/serv_MRI_Adrenal.html
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adrenal-glands
4. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/imaging-center/exams/mri/adrenal-glands.html
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350293
6. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/adrenal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
7. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/adrenalgland/conditioninfo/symptoms
8. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16717-adrenal-disorders
9. https://oryon.co.uk/imaging/scans/mri/