The computer tomographic appearances of pathological processes in the suprarenal were evaluated in 55 patients; consideration is given to individual normal variations and to various sources of error. It is concluded that adrenal computer tomography is the primary radiological means of diagnosis, particularly for diseases which deform the contours of the glands. Usually angiography is unnecessary. The structure and density of various adrenal masses, and their behaviour after intravenous contrast, usually provide a fairly accurate diagnosis. Nevertheless, exact evaluation of the findings can only be made in the clinical context and decisions regarding treatment should be the result of an interdisciplinary approach.