High-resolution multidetector CT in the preoperative evaluation of patients with renal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector CT (MDCT) using a high-resolution protocol in the preoperative assessment of patients with renal cell carcinoma who are possible candidates for nephron-sparing surgery.


METHODS
Forty patients with suspected renal cell carcinoma underwent MDCT. Contrast-enhanced acquisitions were obtained during arterial, nephrographic, and urographic phases using a thin-slice protocol. One-millimeter-thick source images were evaluated by two observers on a dedicated workstation for the identification and characterization of the tumor, presence of a pseudocapsule or invasion of perirenal fat, involvement of adrenal glands or surrounding tissues, presence of satellite lesions within Gerota's fascia, infiltration of renal vein and inferior vena cava, involvement of lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastases. Imaging findings were compared with surgical specimens using criteria from the Robson and TNM classification systems.


RESULTS
The presence and size of all lesions were correctly shown in all patients. In evaluating Robson stage I of renal cell carcinoma, we were able to diagnose fat infiltration on 1-mm scans with 96% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 95% accuracy; the positive and negative predictive values were, respectively, 100% and 93%. One hundred percent accuracy was achieved in staging high-grade lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
High-resolution MDCT is accurate in the preoperative evaluation of patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Catalano
C
C
Department of Radiology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Fraioli
F
F
Laghi
A
A
Napoli
A
A
Pediconi
F
F
Danti
M
M
Nardis
P
P
Passariello
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods