Question

All patients with an incidental adrenal mass should be screened for mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) and pheochromocytoma, how?

Answer 1

To screen patients with an incidental adrenal mass for mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) and pheochromocytoma, several diagnostic tests can be performed including hormonal testing, imaging, and functional imaging.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to screen patients with an incidental adrenal mass for mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) and pheochromocytoma, several diagnostic tests can be performed.

1. Hormonal testing: This involves measuring the levels of cortisol and other hormones in the blood and urine. For MACE, tests like overnight dexamethasone suppression test and 24-hour urinary free cortisol test can be used. For pheochromocytoma, plasma metanephrines and urine catecholamines can be measured.
2. Imaging: Imaging tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can be done to visualize the adrenal mass and detect any features suggestive of MACE or pheochromocytoma.
3. Functional imaging: In certain cases, functional imaging studies like MIBG scan or PET scan can be used to further evaluate the functional status of the adrenal mass and detect pheochromocytoma.