[Diagnosis of renal cysts (author's transl)]

Renal cysts were demonstrated in 48 out of 1000 non-selected patients investigated with sonography. Large cysts (mean diameter 4.8 cm) were also shown by urography. Smaller cysts (mean diameter 2.5 cm) could be diagnosed only by sonography. This method enabled establishment of the diagnosis in 3 out of 5 patients in whom there was radiographic suspicion of tumours. Ultrasound may also be used in the patient with renal failure. Powerful mobile equipment permits investigation at the bedside of the severely ill patient. Demonstration or exclusion of space occupying renal changes should make use of ultrasound as a primary diagnostic tool.