DIAGNOSTIC-IMAGING IN THE EVALUATION OF RENAL LYMPHOMA

Renal lymphoma usually is a manifestation of disseminated disease and often is asymptomatic. Occasionally, the kidney(s) may be the major or only demonstrable site of disease, which may then present with a vari ety of urologic symptoms. The imaging studies should be tailored accor ding to the presenting symptoms and prior history. Currently CT with i ntravenous contrast material enhancement is the study of choice for bo th the evaluation of renal involvement as well as staging of the disea se. When necessary, CT or sonography may be used to guide percutaneous needle biopsy of suspicious masses. The role of the various imaging t echniques, including MR and positron emission tomography, in the evalu ation of renal lymphoma is discussed.