Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of C-arm CT to confirm right adrenal vein catheterization during adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and to correlate adrenal venography findings with C-arm CT and/or biochemical results for right adrenal vein selection.
Methods: Forty-two consecutive primary aldosteronism patients (M:F = 21:21; age: 29-70 years) underwent C-arm CT assisted sequential AVS. After catheterization of right adrenal vein, C-arm CT was performed to confirm catheter position. Catheter was repositioned when right adrenal gland was not opacified. Radiological images, medical records, and biochemical results were reviewed for technical/biochemical success rates and complications. Right adrenal venography findings of pinnate pattern, visualization of renal capsular vein, and retroperitoneal vein other than renal capsular vein were correlated with C-arm CT and/or biochemical results for right adrenal vein selection.
Results: Both the technical and biochemical success of AVS was achieved in 40 patients (95.2%). C-arm CT failed due to catheter instability in one, and adrenal/vena cava cortisol gradient was <3 in one patient. Catheter was repositioned in four patients (9.5%) according to C-arm CT findings. Right adrenal venography finding of renal capsular vein significantly correlated with C-arm CT and/or biochemical results (100%) for right adrenal vein selection (p = 0.011, χ(2) test), whereas pinnate pattern (p = 0.099) and other retroperitoneal veins (p = 0.347) did not. There was no procedure-related complication.
Conclusions: C-arm CT increases confidence of right adrenal vein catheterization during AVS. Visualization of renal capsular vein on adrenal venography suggests right adrenal vein catheterization and C-arm CT may not be required.