INTRODUCTION: Conventional ultrasound (US) is a common imaging investigation of the kidneys; however, the current diagnostic performance of US in the visualisation of focal renal lesions is unknown. METHODS: This study was a retrospective sequential review of 518 focal renal lesions (FRLs) in 200 patients aged 50 years or older who received an US of the kidneys followed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). RESULTS: Patient's age ranged from 50 to 94 years. The majority were hospital inpatients. 518 FRLs were identified on CECT ranging from 3 to 165 mm (median 8 mm). The majority of FRLs (96.1%) were benign. The visualisation rate of FRLs on US was size-dependent: <5 mm, 10.2%; 5-9 mm, 22.3 mm; 10-14 mm, 48.0%; 15-19 mm, 82.1%; and 20-24 mm, 100%. The visualisation of simple cysts was 49.1% and hyperdense lesions 81.8%. Follow-up was available on 58% of lesions. Benign lesions generally remained stable. Seven patients had concerning heterogeneous hyperdense masses on CECT, and US had visualised six of these (85.7%). CONCLUSION: Visualisation of FRLs is size-dependent. High rate of visualisation is achieved once the lesion exceeds 15 mm in size. Small FRLs are associated with a low rate of visualisation on ultrasound; however, they are rarely concerning. Hyperdense lesions on CECT that carry high suspicion of malignancy are associated with a high rate of US visualisation.
INTRODUCTION: Conventional ultrasound (US) is a common imaging investigation of the kidneys; however, the current diagnostic performance of US in the visualisation of focal renal lesions is unknown. METHODS: This study was a retrospective sequential review of 518 focal renal lesions (FRLs) in 200 patients aged 50 years or older who received an US of the kidneys followed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). RESULTS: Patient's age ranged from 50 to 94 years. The majority were hospital inpatients. 518 FRLs were identified on CECT ranging from 3 to 165 mm (median 8 mm). The majority of FRLs (96.1%) were benign. The visualisation rate of FRLs on US was size-dependent: <5 mm, 10.2%; 5-9 mm, 22.3 mm; 10-14 mm, 48.0%; 15-19 mm, 82.1%; and 20-24 mm, 100%. The visualisation of simple cysts was 49.1% and hyperdense lesions 81.8%. Follow-up was available on 58% of lesions. Benign lesions generally remained stable. Seven patients had concerning heterogeneous hyperdense masses on CECT, and US had visualised six of these (85.7%). CONCLUSION: Visualisation of FRLs is size-dependent. High rate of visualisation is achieved once the lesion exceeds 15 mm in size. Small FRLs are associated with a low rate of visualisation on ultrasound; however, they are rarely concerning. Hyperdense lesions on CECT that carry high suspicion of malignancy are associated with a high rate of US visualisation.
Authors: Stacy D O'Connor; Perry J Pickhardt; David H Kim; M Raquel Oliva; Stuart G Silverman Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 2011-07 Impact factor: 3.959
Authors: Stuart G Silverman; Ivan Pedrosa; James H Ellis; Nicole M Hindman; Nicola Schieda; Andrew D Smith; Erick M Remer; Atul B Shinagare; Nicole E Curci; Steven S Raman; Shane A Wells; Samuel D Kaffenberger; Zhen J Wang; Hersh Chandarana; Matthew S Davenport Journal: Radiology Date: 2019-06-18 Impact factor: 11.105
Authors: S H Rossi; R Hsu; C Blick; V Goh; P Nathan; D Nicol; S Fleming; M Sweeting; E C F Wilson; G D Stewart Journal: Br J Surg Date: 2017-05 Impact factor: 6.939