Helical computed tomography of renal lesions

Helical computed tomography is a new technique that acquires a volumetric data set of both kidneys within a single breath-hold. It has proved to be superior to conventional computed tomography. Multiphasic helical computed tomography after the administration of contrast material shows advantages concerning the detection and characterization of renal lesions and the preoperative staging of renal cell carcinomas. The proper scan protocol for a sufficient examination of the kidneys is described as well as its diagnostic value. The characteristic computed tomography morphology of benign and malignant renal lesions is reviewed and the advantages of helical computed tomography are illustrated.