Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Renal Masses - A Prospective Study from Ambala, India

Abstract

BACKGROUND The advent of Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) has created several important advances in the detection and characterization of renal masses due to its high accuracy, low cost, and easy availability. There is a growing need to separate benign lesions from malignant ones so as to provide an appropriate timely treatment. It can be used with contrast agents and helps in providing data during multiple phases along with the possibility of multiplanar image reconstruction anytime in the future. We wanted to study the role of CT imaging as a diagnostic modality for the evaluation of renal masses. METHODS This is a prospective study conducted among 50 cases, with clinically or radiologically diagnosed renal mass who were referred to our department . A detailed clinical history, thorough clinical examination, ultrasonography and multiphase - CECT using a Philips 128 - slice multi detector scanner (Ingenuity), were performed using the set - protocol followed by multiplanar reconstruction and detailed evaluation. Findings of CT scan were correlated with clinical / biopsy / surgical findings. RESULTS Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was the most common renal mass in our study group (48 %) followed by renal cyst (30 %). The most common presenting symptom of RCC was haematuria (91.6 %) followed by flank pain (58.3 %). Renal cyst was a fairly common lesion with majority (93.3 %) being BOSNIAK - I category. RCC most commonly showed malignant extension via lymph nodes (83.3 %) while transitional cell cancer (TCC) most commonly spread via ureteric extension (75 %). Inferior vena cava (IVC) extension, even though seen only in a small fraction of cases (4 %), was only associated with RCC. On correlation with histopathological findings, a sensitivity of 95.8 %, specificity of 96.15 % and a diagnostic accuracy of 96 % was found, for diagnosing RCC in our study. CONCLUSIONS MDCT is a robust technique for detection and characterisation of renal mases. It is rapid and easily available with excellent patient compliance. MDCT has excellent sensitivity and specificity for characterisation of renal masses. KEY WORDS MDCT, Renal Mass, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Cyst, Attenuation, Enhancement