Angiomyolipoma: diagnosis and treatment

Four cases of renal angiomyolipoma are presented, 3 of which were diagnosed in non-tuberous sclerosis patients. In 1 case diagnosis was made preoperatively and in another case it was made intraoperatively, allowing for preservation of functioning renal parenchyma. The second successful kidney transplant in a patient with tuberous sclerosis and renal failure is reported. One cannot always differentiate renal angiomyolipomas from adenocarcinoma. However, if the classical angiographic findings of sacculated pseduo-aneurysms supplied by the interlobular and interlobar arteries are present non-operative observation or limited surgery with preservation of renal tissue is possible. Also, knowledge of the gross pathologic appearance and the syndrome of tuberous sclerosis will allow one to make a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis with confidence.