[Comparison of power Doppler technique, microscopic examination and VEGF levels for the assessment of adrenal tumors vascularization].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the color Doppler vascularity index (CDVI) in patients with adrenal masses before surgery. Twenty-four patients with adrenal masses were examined. The correlation between CDVI and microvessel density (MVD), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level and clinico-pathological factors was studied. There was a significant correlation between CDVI and VEGF level. The CDVI did not correlate with MVD. The CDVI was significantly higher in the patients with malignant or hormonally active tumors than in patients with benign non-hyperfunctioning lesions. Thus, the CDVI may be helpful in qualifying patients for adrenalectomy.