Role of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis and assessment of renal masses with histopathological correlation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the roles of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis and assessment of renal masses. Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Radiodiagnosis. Patients were referred from the departments of nephrology, urology, pediatrics, and surgery. The study was carried out in the department and included 60 patients with suspicion of renal masses coming to the department. Results: The majority of the cases presented with renal masses belonged to the age group of 61–70 years (38.3%), followed by 41–50 years and 51–60 years, which represent 9 cases (15%). The majority of the cases presented with suspected renal mass were males (81.7%). Out of 60 cases, 45 (75%) were detected as malignant on histopathology, and 15 (25%) were benign. In our study, pain was the most common symptom (75%), followed by hematuria (53.3%). 41.7% of renal masses were seen in the right kidney, 43.3% were in the left kidney, and 15% were bilateral. Conclusion: Due to its low cost, simplicity of use, and lack of radiation exposure, ultrasound is the first imaging modality of choice in cases of renal masses. The imaging technique of choice for additional assessment and characterization is contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Due to its capacity to show perinephric and vascular extension, CT offers undeniable advantages over US in the preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma.

Keywords: contrast-enhanced computed tomography; ultrasound; renal cell carcinoma