[Malignant neoplasms after kidney transplantation: value of an annual radiological screening program].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of malignant neoplasms after renal transplantation by means of a radiological screening programme and to determine the role of some clinical and demographic parameters concerning pathogenesis of these malignancies.


METHODS
Between November 1992 and June 1994 in a prospective study 504 consecutive renal allograft recipients (331 m, 173 f) aged 51 +/- 13 years underwent routine abdominal ultrasound examinations including the renal transplant and p.a. and lateral chest x-rays once a year.


RESULTS
This screening programme revealed 11 malignant neoplasms in 11 patients (2.2%). We detected 6 renal cell carcinomas (RCC) in the patient's native kidneys, two RCCs in two renal allografts, two non-Hodgkin-lymphomas in the liver and the renal allograft, respectively, and one ovarial carcinoma. Patients with renal cell carcinomas in the native kidneys were significantly older than allograft recipients without tumors. The presence of acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) seems to be an additional risk for the development of RCC. There were no significant differences in the time on dialysis, the time with functional renal allograft, and the immunosuppressive therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Yearly abdominal ultrasound screening including the renal allograft is a valuable tool for the early detection of neoplasms in asymptomatic renal allograft recipients. However, routine yearly chest x-rays should not be performed in renal allograft recipients without preexisting tumours.
Heinz-Peer
G
G
Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, Universität Wien, Austria.
Mostbeck
G H
GH
Banyai
S
S
Helbich
T
T
Turetschek
K
K
Kainberger
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052177:Kidney Diseases, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography