Evaluation of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound for investigation of complex cystic renal masses

SummaryObjectiveCystic renal masses are conventionally assessed by contrast CT and/or simple ultrasound scan. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) is a relatively new investigation which may act as a novel tool for investigation of these masses and the aim of this study was to evaluate this potential.Patients and methods19 patients underwent CEUS in our Trust for investigation of complex cystic renal masses. The results were compared with other investigation modalities i.e. CT and simple ultrasound scans.ResultsIn nine patients, CEUS suggested a benign lesion. In six of these patients, contrast CT and/or simple ultrasound scan were inconclusive. Malignant cystic renal mass was diagnosed in nine patients by CEUS. In five of these patients, contrast CT and/or simple ultrasound scan were indeterminate. Three of the five patients had nephrectomy which confirmed malignancy in two and benign cystic nephroma in the third case. In one patient both simple ultrasound and CEUS were inconclusive whereas a contrast CT scan showed benign lesion.ConclusionWithin limitations of our study, CEUS provided information additional to conventional imaging in eleven patients. It appears to be a useful investigation in conjunction with conventional imaging for investigation of complex cystic renal masses but requires further evaluation.