[Multilocational cystic nephroma. Review of a case with reference to echographically observed changes]

Abstract

Objective: To describe an additional case of multilocular cystic nephroma, with special reference to the sonographic features of a renal cystic lesion.

Methods: The clinical and radiological features of a kidney tumor in a 61-year-old female patient were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The preoperative diagnosis was that of a complex multicystic renal mass suggestive of a renal carcinoma. Radical nephrectomy was performed; histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen disclosed a multilocular cystic nephroma. An ultrasound scan 18 months earlier had demonstrated a simple renal cyst in the same site.

Conclusions: Multilocular cystic nephroma is a tumor that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Making an accurate differential diagnosis is of interest, since it will permit conservative treatment. The case described herein supports the hypothesis with regard to the pathogenesis of this lesion, since it had previously showed sonographic features of a simple renal cyst.