May, Gerald R.

AbstractUltrasound and computed tomography have had an enormous impact on the imaging procedures used in the detection of tumors of the parathyroids, pancreas, and adrenals. Ultrasound is now the examination of choice in localizing parathyroid adenomas in the neck prior to cervical exploration or after unsuccessful exploration. Its role as a screening test in patients without biochemical confirmation of hyperparathyroidism awaits further study. Computed tomography is useful in identifying mediastinal parathyroid adenomas in patients who have had unsuccessful neck explorations and islet‐cell tumors of the pancreas if they are sufficiently large (greater than 2 cm). Angiography remains the most accurate method of localizing insulinomas prior to surgery. Computed tomography scanning has become the procedure of choice in localizing adrenal tumors and has sufficient sensitivity to be used as a screening test in patients without biochemical confirmation of an adrenal abnormality.