Multidetector CT imaging features of invasive renal parenchyma urothelial carcinoma

Abstract

Objective:

To characterize the multidetector CT imaging features of invasive renal parenchyma urothelial carcinoma (IRPUC).

Methods:

29 patients with IRPUC were retrospectively evaluated. Tumour location, density, cystic or solid appearance, calcification, capsule sign, enhancement pattern and metastases were assessed.

Results:

IRPUC involved the right kidney in 82.7% of patients. Medullary involvement was observed in 93.1% of patients. In 89.6% of patients, the reniform contour of the kidney was preserved. Tumours showed an infiltrative appearance (100%) with a poorly defined margin (100%), but an expansile component was also present (20.7%). Linear calcification was present (20.7%). Evidence of intra-abdominal metastatic disease (in 37.9% of cases) and regional lymphadenopathy (in 27.5% of cases) was present. Tumour attenuation was less or equal compared with the renal cortex or medulla on unenhanced CT ( p-value> 0.05), after i.v. contrast administration; 100% were of homogeneous low attenuation compared with the normal renal cortex and medulla ( p-value< 0.05).

Conclusion:

IRPUC tends to be more prevalent in the right kidney, poorly defined margin, medullary involvement, with homogeneous enhancement less than the cortex and medulla in all phases.

Advances in knowledge:

IRPUC was more prevalent in the right kidney. IRPUC enhancement was less than that of the cortex and medulla on all phases. IRPUC showed poorly defined margin with medullary involvement and preserved reniform contour.