[Diagnostic and therapeutic problems in angiomyolipoma of the kidney]

The diagnostic problems are being discussed specifically in 9 patients with angiomyolipoma. Ultrasound and computerised tomography show clear results in tumours with a fatty structure, where angiography is a better method to show vascular elements. Where an inhomogeneous tissue structure is given, an exact diagnosis is only possible by using a combination of different examination methods. It is important to define a renal cell carcinoma preoperatively, as during the operation a differentiation from an angiomyolipoma is in most cases not possible. With a correct diagnosis an organ saving operation can be performed on symptomatic patients, respectively a conventional management can be discussed for the treatment of asymptomatic patients.