Use of WBMRI to differentiate adrenal lesions and paragangliomas

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Optimising Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequences to differentiate adrenal lesions and paragangliomas

  • IRAS ID

    272697

  • Contact name

    Umasuthan Srirangalingam

  • Contact email

    usrirangalingam@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    University College Lonodon Hospitals

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This project aims to use new research magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences to address diagnostic difficulties when differentiating and risk stratifying adrenal lesions and paragangliomas

    Adrenal nodules are often found incidentally- the majority of these are benign, however, a significant proportion will secrete excess amounts of adrenal hormones that can have a significant metabolic effect on the individual. Other adrenal lesions may be malignant. Paragangliomas are tumours of the ganglia, found from neck to pelvis, which may be linked to adrenal lesions, can produce hormones and can run in families.

    In order to differentiate between benign and malignant, functioning and non-functioning lesions, several different imaging modalities are often required. Scanning can take substantial time, involves radiation and if associated with significant cost to the NHS.

    We plan to compare standard imaging (including CT, MRI and functional imaging) with whole body MR sequences for adrenal lesions and paragangliomas to assess whether the MR sequences can provide additional information to improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification.

  • REC name

    West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/WM/0226

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Sep 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion