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Ultrasonographic Findings and Clinical Characteristics of TFE3-Rearranged Renal Cell Carcinomas in Adults
Pingping Zhou1, Xiaodan Zhu1, Shanyu Yin1
1Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Background:
To investigate the ultrasonographic features and clinical characteristics of TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (TFE3-rRCC) in adults.
Materials And Methods:
Ultrasound images and clinical records of 28 adult patients with TFE3-rRCC confirmed by immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
Patients (22 females, 6 males) were aged 19-70 years (mean age, 43.9 ± 15.8 years). The size of tumors ranged from 1.5 to 17.0 cm (mean diameter, 5.5 ± 3.5 cm). Seven patients (mean diameters, 9.7 ± 3.6 cm) had symptoms and 21 patients (mean diameters, 4.0 ± 2.0 cm) were asymptomatic. Most of the patients (20/28) had no metastasis and they haven't experienced recurrence. TFE3-rRCC presented as well-defined (26/28) lumps with regular shapes (27/28). Solid lumps (hyperechoic 15, isoechoic 8, hypoechoic 1) accounted for 85.7% (24/28). Cystic components (14/24), punctate or circular calcifications (8/24), and color Doppler signals (19/24) can be observed in the solid lumps. Few tumors (4/28) are cystic lumps with varying thickness internal septations (4/4), calcifications (4/4), irregular walls (2/4), and solid protrusions (2/4).
Conclusion:
Most of the TFE3-rRCC were hyperechoic or isoechoic lumps, often accompanied by cystic components and calcifications. Few cases were cystic masses with internal septations, calcifications, irregular wall, and solid protrusions. These features may have potential value in the diagnosis of TFE3-rRCC.
Insights
Ultrasonography reveals that adult TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (TFE3-rRCC) typically presents as well-defined, solid masses with hyperechoic or isoechoic echogenicity. These findings, including cystic components and calcifications, aid in the diagnosis of this rare kidney cancer.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (TFE3-rRCC) is a distinct subtype of kidney cancer.
- Investigating the imaging characteristics of TFE3-rRCC is crucial for early detection and diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the ultrasonographic features of adult TFE3-rRCC.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical characteristics of TFE3-rRCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ultrasound images and clinical data from 28 adult patients with confirmed TFE3-rRCC.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization for diagnosis confirmation.
Main Results:
- TFE3-rRCC commonly appeared as well-defined, solid masses (85.7%), predominantly hyperechoic or isoechoic.
- Common findings included cystic components (58.3%), calcifications (33.3%), and vascularity on Doppler ultrasound.
- A smaller subset presented as cystic masses with internal septations and solid protrusions.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonographic features of TFE3-rRCC include well-defined solid masses with specific echogenicity, cystic changes, and calcifications.
- Distinctive imaging patterns, such as cystic masses with septations and solid components, were also observed.
- These ultrasonographic findings hold potential value for the preoperative diagnosis of TFE3-rRCC.
