Asymptomatic infantile cystic nephroma: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Cystic nephroma, also called multilocular cystic nephroma, is a relatively rare, nongenetic, benign, unilateral, renal multicystic lesion. The non-specific clinical findings and the poor contribution of imaging examinations make the preoperative diagnostic dilemma from other cystic renal neoplasia; thus nephrectomy seems to be the most preferable treatment. We report a case of cystic nephroma in 11 months old male child presented with asymptomatic lump in abdomen. After a series of examinations including abdominal ultrasound, intravenous pylography and computed tomography, he underwent radical nephrectomy and diagnosis is confirmed on histopathology.

Keywords: Cystadenoma; Cystic nephroma; Cystic renal hamartoma; Multilocular cystic nephroma; Polycystic nephroma.

Fig. 1

Radiographic evaluation: (a-b) Ultrasonography, (c-d) CT Abdomen

Fig. 2

Specimen after nephrectomy (a) Unremarkable renal surface with herniated pelvis and arrow showing ureter (b) Cut surface showing numerous cysts containing serous fluid

Fig. 3

Histopathological microphotograph of cystic nephroma (a)10× zoom (b)40× zoom