[Techniques for imaging cystic changes in the kidneys]

The purpose of this communication is to assess difficulty in differentiation of various cystic formations in kidneys according to such imaging techniques as urography assisted by tomography, USG, CT. Magnetic resonance imaging was also included on the basis of reviewed publications. Study consisted of 67 patients aged 19-82, both sexes; all cases were clinically and operatively verified. According to our experience it seems that USG should be a primary technique in detecting fluid formations which meet criteria to be simple cysts. Differentiation of other types of cysts like inflammatory, haemorrhagic, complex or neoplasmatic cysts is more difficult. In these cases CTscan and fluid density assessment of present contrasted scans should be performed because of the fact that cyst walls are usually atypical and complex. Correlation of the two relatively less expensive techniques like USG and CT give us a higher degree of diagnostic sensitivity which can be compared with sensitivity of MR imaging. Diagnostic efficiency of urography depends on a size and localization of the cyst in correlation to calicopelvic system.