Accuracy of ultrasound in predicting the nature of renal masses.

Renal ultrasonography is an established, reliable means of evaluating the consistency of renal masses. In a retrospective evaluation of 136 proved cases renal ultrasonography was 95 per cent accurate in distinguishing normal from pathological renal masses, 85 per cent accurate in diagnosing uncomplicated cysts and 100 per cent accurate in identifying complicated cysts, polycystic disease, extrarenal lesions and solid or partially solid neoplasms. Ultrasonography was useful in directing the diagnostic examination and in determining which patients should undergo further, more invasive diagnostic procedures.