Usefulness of digital subtraction angiography for diagnosis of renal tumours

DSA (digital subtraction angiography) is a new, highly effective method for visualization of kidney vascular system. By means of a digital subtraction angiography unit the image of bones and soft tissues is blotted out, and a subtractive picture of contrasted vessels alone emerges. Intra-arterial DSA is a less invasive and more comfortable method when compared to conventional angiography. Only 2-4 ml of contrast medium is administered, thinner catheters being employed at the same time. The examination can also be performed through intravenous administration of contrast medium. The DSA unit Angiotron CMP was installed at the Department of Radiology, Military Medical Academy of Lódź, in 1984. In the present material a diagnostic DSA investigation was performed in 22 patients with renal tumours. In 21 of them the tumour was correctly diagnosed on grounds of pathological vascularization and the result was dubious in only 1 patient with benign tumour.