Imaging description

Carney's triad is characterized by pulmonary chondromas, gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors, and extra-adrenal paragangliomas [1]. As such, the primary imaging finding in the chest in a patient with Carney's triad will be pulmonary chondromas (Figures 23.1A and 23.2A) [1–3]. Occasionally, paragangliomas may also be seen in the mediastinum (Figure 23.2C) [1, 2]. The gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors may be visible on the lower images of a CT chest or can be searched for with an abdominal CT or MRI (Figures 23.1C and 23.2D). Pulmonary chondromas present as calcified nodules in the lung parenchyma. In chondromas, the calcification is chondroid calcification (Figures 23.1A and 23.1B), which can often be distinguished from other types of calcification by the “popcorn” appearance of the calcification [1–3]. In most cases of Carney's triad, multiple pulmonary chondromas are present.

Importance

Carney's triad is a rare disorder with only 79 cases reported in the literature [1]. It affects primarily young adults (<35 years) with 85% of cases occurring in women. Recognition of pulmonary chondromas should alert the radiologist to search the mediastinum and abdomen closely for associated paragangliomas and gastric tumors.