Simple and complex renal cysts in adults: Classification system for renal cystic masses

Ultrasound and slice imaging are currently the key modalities for diagnosing simple renal cysts. Benign simple renal cysts are defined by a set of strict criteria. Any cystic lesions that do not meet these criteria should be classified as “atypical” or “complex” and considered as suspicious. For over three decades, the Bosniak classification has been the central tool for diagnosing renal cystic masses larger than 1 cm. The Bosniak classification is based upon the results of a well-established pre- and post-contrast computed tomography (CT) protocol. Lesions that are difficult to classify or that remain indeterminate after CT can benefit from a multimodal diagnostic approach combining CT, non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.