Parapelvic cysts: appearance on CT and sonography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Urology

Background:

• Parapelvic cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in the renal hilum.
• Differentiating parapelvic cysts from other renal hilar masses is crucial for appropriate patient management.
• Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of renal cystic lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the computed tomographic (CT) and sonographic features of parapelvic cysts.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of CT and sonography in identifying parapelvic cysts.
• To discuss the differential diagnosis of renal hilar masses based on imaging findings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of imaging studies (CT and sonography) from 16 patients with parapelvic cysts.
• Analysis of the characteristic findings of parapelvic cysts on CT, including density and contrast enhancement.
• Analysis of the characteristic findings of parapelvic cysts on sonography, including wall echogenicity and communication with the collecting system.

Main Results:

• CT demonstrated parapelvic cysts as water-density masses in the renal hilum, without contrast enhancement after intravenous injection.
• Sonography revealed cystic renal hilar masses with echogenic walls that did not communicate with the collecting system.
• The imaging findings allowed for differentiation of parapelvic cysts from other potential renal hilar masses.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography and sonography are valuable tools for diagnosing parapelvic cysts.
• Characteristic imaging features on CT and sonography aid in differentiating parapelvic cysts from other renal hilar masses.
• Understanding these imaging characteristics is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.