Role of CT in Assessment and Characterization of Renal Masses

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to compare thin-section corticomedullary and nephrographic phase images of the kidneys to determine whether one of these phases of parenchymal enhancement is superior in the characterization of a previously detected indeterminate renal mass. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional prospective study which included 30 consecutive cases of renal masses detected on MDCT. The study data was collected from July 2014 to June 2016 in the Department of Radio-diagnosis, Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and research center, Bijapur, Karnataka. Attenuation values and enhancement pattern of renal masses during unenhanced, corticomedullary and nephrographic phases were analysed, for better detection and characterization of renal masses by multidetector computed tomography. Results: No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in enhancement were noted for the radiologically benign cysts when the corticomedullary and nephrographic phases were compared. The normal renal cortex demonstrated greater enhancement in nephrographic phase (mean - 137 ± 9 HU) than in corticomedullary phase (mean -122± 15 HU). Conclusion: To conclude, MDCT protocol for evaluation of renal masses should include unenhanced, corticomedullary and nephrographic phases for better detection and characterization of renal masses.