ABSTRACT
A hyperechoic renal pseudotumour caused by packing an operative renal defect with retroperitoneal fat has been previously described. The authors describe eight patients who underwent such packing of a renal defect and for whom ultrasonography was later performed to determine the frequency of pseudotumours and their ultrasonographic appearance. In four patients an obvious surgical defect but no pseudotumour was apparent in the renal parenchyma. In the others a pseudotumour had developed: in two the mass was hyperechoic, as previously reported, but in two the mass was isoechoic. The isoechoic pseudotumours were initially diagnosed as probable carcinomas by the ultrasonographer. Correlation with the surgical history and computed tomography scans led to the correct diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Aged , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Kidney Diseases/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
The mode of presentation of renal cell carcinoma is changing; in 40% of cases the condition is now found incidentally during the investigation of complaints other than those usually associated with this tumour. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not improved the survival of patients with renal cell carcinomas, but, with the introduction of ultrasonography, renal cell carcinomas, including those found incidentally, are being diagnosed earlier than they were a decade ago, resulting in improved survival rates.
