[Magnetic resonance tomography for the detection and staging of kidney cancer]

The potential NMR-tomography in detecting and staging of renal carcinoma was elucidated in a group of 41 patients with 42 renal tumors. The diagnosis was verified intraoperatively (34 patients) or at autopsy (7 patients). NMR discovered 41 tumors of 42 (98% all 36 tumors of 3 cm in a diameter and of larger size, visualized 5 of 6 tumors less than 3 cm in size. Staging was possible in 85% of all the lesions. Four cases were overestimated in terms of stage, 2 cases underestimated. NMR-tomography is not perfect as a screening test for renal tumors because in small tumors its sensitivity is limited, but it may provide additional to TC information and is able to clarify doubtful cases, is useful in patients with iodine contrast media intolerance, in those with chronic renal insufficiency, pronounced tumor invasion and in deciding on the variant of surgical intervention.