Characterization of renal angiomyolipoma by scanning acoustic microscopy

A scanning acoustic microscope system was used to differentiate renal angiomyolipoma from renal cell carcinoma. The ultrasonic frequency used ranged from 100 to 200 MHz, and the attenuation constant and sound speed were measured on a two-dimensional distribution. The sound speed was significantly lower for lipoma cells than for vessels, smooth muscle fibres, clear cell renal cancer or granular cell renal cancer. The attenuation constant was significantly lower for lipoma cells than for vessels or clear cells. Both acoustic parameters for smooth muscle fibres were significantly lower than for vessels. The heterogeneity of the microacoustic field in renal angiomyolipoma is closely related to the high intensity echo observed on clinical echography. Renal angiomyolipoma and renal cell carcinoma can thus be distinguished by acoustic examination.