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Renal lymphoma: CT patterns with emphasis on helical CT
1Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Summary
Renal lymphoma, often linked to widespread disease, is best evaluated using computed tomography (CT). Helical CT enhances the detection and characterization of kidney lymphoma, aiding in accurate diagnosis and staging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Renal lymphoma typically presents with multisystemic disease or recurrence.
- It can occur in immunocompromised individuals or rarely as primary renal disease.
- Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for evaluating suspected renal lymphoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing renal lymphoma.
- To describe typical and atypical CT findings of renal lymphoma.
- To differentiate renal lymphoma from other renal masses.
Main Methods:
- Review of CT findings in patients with renal lymphoma.
- Emphasis on helical CT for improved detection and characterization.
- Comparison of CT patterns with other renal masses.
Main Results:
- Helical CT optimizes contrast dynamics and data acquisition for lymphoma staging.
- Typical CT patterns include masses, contiguous invasion, and diffuse infiltration.
- Atypical patterns like hemorrhage, necrosis, and cystic changes can pose diagnostic challenges.
- Common mimics include renal cell carcinoma and metastases, necessitating biopsy.
Conclusions:
- CT, especially helical CT, is the preferred imaging modality for suspected renal lymphoma.
- Familiarity with the diverse CT appearance of renal lymphoma is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Distinguishing renal lymphoma from other solid renal masses requires careful interpretation and often biopsy.