When you receive a medical imaging report, encountering specialized terms like “unremarkable” can cause confusion. This phrasing is medical jargon frequently used in the results of CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds when describing organs, including the adrenal glands. Understanding this finding is straightforward: the term is positive, indicating that the adrenal glands appear normal on the imaging study.
Decoding the Medical Terminology
The word “unremarkable” is a concise way for a radiologist to state that the adrenal glands exhibit no signs of abnormality, disease, or injury based on the images reviewed. This phrase is a positive descriptor, similar to saying “normal” or “within normal limits,” but is preferred for its technical precision.
When a report states “adrenal glands are unremarkable,” it means their size, shape, and internal structure are consistent with healthy standards. The imaging performed (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) did not reveal any unexpected masses, growths, or unusual textures. This indicates the glands are structurally sound and require no further investigation.
The Role of the Adrenal Glands
The two adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped organs situated atop each kidney. Despite their size, they produce a wide array of hormones that regulate fundamental bodily processes. Each gland is composed of two distinct parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla.
The adrenal cortex is the outer layer that produces steroid hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” helps manage the body’s response to stress, regulates metabolism, and suppresses inflammation. Aldosterone regulates blood pressure and maintains the balance of electrolytes, specifically sodium and potassium.
The adrenal medulla, the inner part of the gland, produces catecholamines, primarily epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are released into the bloodstream in response to stress or danger, triggering the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. This release causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate to prepare the body for immediate action.
When Adrenal Glands Are Remarkable
The adrenal glands are described as “remarkable” if imaging reveals structural abnormalities that deviate from a normal appearance. The most common finding is an adrenal mass, often discovered incidentally during a scan for an unrelated condition, leading to the term “adrenal incidentaloma.” These masses can include benign tumors like adenomas or myelolipomas, or, more rarely, malignant tumors like adrenocortical carcinoma.
Imaging specialists look for specific features to determine if a mass is remarkable, such as a size larger than one centimeter, irregular borders, or an unusual density on a CT scan. The presence of masses or other signs of disease, such as adrenal hyperplasia (enlargement), prompts a radiologist to use descriptive language. When abnormalities are found, additional testing is necessary to determine if the mass is benign and non-functional, or if it is actively overproducing hormones.