[Accuracy of computed tomography in the staging of renal cell carcinoma]

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in a total 124 cases of renal cell carcinoma to determine perinephric invasion, venous invasion and involvement of the regional lymph node. The findings obtained were compared with pathological findings. CT findings for invasion of perinephric fat showed a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 82 and accuracy of 82%. For adjacent organ invasion CT findings revealed a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 99%. As to venous invasion CT findings showed a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 97%, and accuracy of 95%, and for lymph node involvement CT findings revealed a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 98%, accuracy of 96%. Although the accuracy is not so high in diagnosing invasion of perinephric fat, CT scan was proven to be a valuable diagnostic measure for detection of adjacent organ invasion, venous invasion and lymph node involvement, thus helping to select a suitable surgical approach.