[Computer tomography examination of renal and adrenal gland masses (author's transl)]

The results of 5 computer tomography examinations of the retroperitoneal region are discussed. Previous examinations in these patients had suggested, but could not confirm, the presence of a lesion in a particular organ. Normal retroperitoneal structures were found by computer tomography in 7 of the 51 cases. An extrarenal lesion was discovered in 9 of the patients and a benign renal anomaly in 15 cases. Cancer of the kidney was observed in 21 cases. No practical difficulty was encountered in making a differential diagnosis between a cyst, especially one on the left upper pole, and cancer of the kidney (35/35). The extent of spread of the cancers was easily demonstrated except when liver adhesions were present, but these were of little significance. Results of computer tomography examination of benign parenchymatous tumors are not available at the present time to enable semiological definition to be made.