An independent, non-Federal panel discussed the latest scientific evidence on the management of the clinically inapparent adrenal mass and drafted a statement addressing the following key questions:

What are the causes, prevalence, and natural history of clinically inapparent adrenal masses?

Based on available scientific evidence, what is the appropriate evaluation of a clinically inapparent adrenal mass?

What criteria should guide the decision on surgical versus nonsurgical management of these masses?

If surgery is indicated, what is the appropriate procedure?

What is the appropriate follow-up for patients for each management approach?

What additional research is needed to guide practice?

Sponsored by the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the NIH Office of Medical Applications of Research (OMAR)

For More Information: Visit the NIH Consensus Program Web site, http://consensus.nih.gov;

e-mail adrenalmass@prospectassoc.com;