Sonography of Pediatric Renal Tumors

Ultrasonography (US) plays a crucial role in the imaging investigation of pediatric renal tumors as it is easily performed without the need for sedation or ionizing radiation. Gray-scale imaging can readily differentiate solid from cystic lesions. Color Doppler US with spectral analysis is used to evaluate the integrity of the renal vasculature. Once a solid lesion is demonstrated and a malignant neoplasm is suspected, cross-sectional imaging with CT or MR is performed to better delineate the extent of disease. Wilms' tumor is the most common pediatric solid renal mass. Distinct clinical and imaging features that aid in differentiating Wilms' tumor from other renal masses of childhood are described.