Visualisation of focal renal lesions on ultrasound: A review of 518 lesions with contrast CT correlation. Issue 4 (2nd November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wylie, Blanche; Necas, Martin; Heaney, Aine
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine. Volume 23:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2020-11-02
• Subjects: kidney -- lesion -- mass -- renal -- ultrasound; Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; Ultrasonic imaging -- Periodicals; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonics in medicine; Periodicals; 616.075430
• DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1836-6864

Abstract

Abstract: 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.