[Staging of adenocarcinoma of the kidney--CT largely replaces catheter angiography]

Abstract

In renal adenocarcinoma (hypernephroma) CT as a rule provides the same information as angiography. Our experience is based on a collection of 61 tumour cases, divided in stages according to the TNM system. In retrospect, 39 of our own cases were investigated by CT as well as by angiography; the accuracy of both methods was tested on 33 operative findings. Prospectively 22 cases were examined by CT only and results controlled via 20 operative findings. CT is superior in the T and N stages. Usually demonstration of vein invasion is as good in CT as in catheter angiography. Metastases in the adrenals and the liver are vasible in CT. Seen from the point of view of a "non-touch procedure" (particularly to be demanded with a tumour metastasising as early as this!) the non-invasive method of CT proves especially suitable. We use CT primarily in all cases of suspicion. In singular cases CT is supplemented by further angiographic investigations, e.g. cavography. Exceptions to the topical proceedings mentioned above are a suspected tumour in a solitary kidney, and bilateral tumours. Such cases should be investigated by catheter angiography following i.v. urography and/or sonography.