Sonographic patterns and differential diagnosis of cystic renal carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
To study the sonographic features and patterns of cystic renal carcinomas.


METHODS
Thirteen cases of cystic renal carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology were examined by ultrasonography, and the cystic walls, septa and solid mural nodules were studied.


RESULTS
Solid mural nodules of some cases and irregular thickening of the cystic walls and septa were characteristic findings for the ultrasonic diagnosis of cystic renal carcinomas. According to their pathologic mechanisms and sonographic features, cystic renal carcinomas were classified into 3 patterns: unilocular cystic mass, multiloculated cystic mass and cystic-solid mass.


CONCLUSIONS
Typical cystic renal carcinomas can be well diagnosed, while atypical cases may be misdiagnosed as benign renal cysts by ultrasonography. Color Doppler ultrasonography and needle aspiration guided by ultrasonography are helpful in the diagnosis of these atypical cases.
Cai
Sheng
S
Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730.
Li
Jianchu
J
Jiang
Yuxin
Y
Dai
Qing
Q
Tan
Li
L
Zhang
Jinxi
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052177:Kidney Diseases, Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color