title: Visibility and thickening of the renal fascia on computed tomograms.
abstract: The renal fascia can be seen on CT scans (using appropriate window settings) in most patients except those with very little fat. CT confirms current anatomical concepts; however, contrary to the illustrations shown in the literature, it clearly demonstrates that the anterior pararenal space normally exists only at the level of the retroperitoneal organs. A lesion would distend the space. While visualization of the renal fascia on normal urograms may be an indication of renal disease, a thin renal fascia on CT scans has no pathological significance. Thickening is nonspecific: it is not pathognomonic of tumor, nor is it helpful in differentiating pancreatitis from neoplasm. On the other hand, lack of fascial thickening may be helpful in ruling out renal extension of a neighboring lesion.
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005205:Fascia; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed