What MRI finding is often seen in pheochromocytoma on T2-weighted imaging?

What MRI finding is often seen in pheochromocytoma on T2-weighted imaging?

• A. Bright 'light-bulb' signal on T2-weighted MRI
• B. Low signal on T2-weighted MRI
• C. Ring-enhancing lesion
• D. Calcifications on MRI

Answer: (A)

Pheochromocytoma typically appears very bright on T2-weighted MRI because the tumor is highly vascular and water-rich, giving a characteristic hyperintense signal described as a "light-bulb" appearance. This prominent T2 brightness helps distinguish it from other adrenal lesions that may be less bright on T2 or show different post-contrast patterns. While ring-enhancing patterns and calcifications can occur in other processes or with different imaging sequences, they do not define the T2-weighted signature of pheochromocytoma. So, the bright T2 signal—the light-bulb sign—is the best clue on T2-weighted imaging.

Pheochromocytoma typically appears very bright on T2-weighted MRI because the tumor is highly vascular and water-rich, giving a characteristic hyperintense signal described as a "light-bulb" appearance. This prominent T2 brightness helps distinguish it from other adrenal lesions that may be less bright on T2 or show different post-contrast patterns. While ring-enhancing patterns and calcifications can occur in other processes or with different imaging sequences, they do not define the T2-weighted signature of pheochromocytoma. So, the bright T2 signal—the light-bulb sign—is the best clue on T2-weighted imaging.