Necrosis of Wilms tumors.

Gray scale ultrasonography, arteriography and excretory urography were done in 17 children with Wilms tumor. The results of these studies were correlated with the pathological specimen. At the time of operation 71 per cent of the tumors were necrotic. Ultrasonography predicted correctly the internal consistency of Wilms tumors in 94 per cent of the cases, while arteriography was 64 per cent and excretory urography was 41 per cent accurate. This information regarding neoplastic degeneration added to the completeness of the radiographic examination and forewarned the surgeon of a potentially difficult resection.