RENAL MEDULLARY CARCINOMA-ASSOCIATED WITH SICKLE-CELL TRAIT - RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS

PURPOSE: To correlate the radiologic and pathologic findings in patien ts with renal medullary carcinoma and sickle cell trait. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologic studies of five pathologically proved cases of re nal medullary carcinoma were retrospectively correlated with gross pat hologic findings. Excretory urograms, computed tomographic (CT) scans, sonograms, photographs of the gross surgical specimens, and an angiog ram were available for review. Each case was analyzed for tumor locati on, pattern of growth, contrast enhancement and echotexture, angiograp hic pattern, and stage. RESULTS: All tumors arose centrally within the kidney, grew in an infiltrative pattern, and invaded the renal sinus. Caliectasis without pelviectasis was present in three cases. Contrast enhancement and echotexture were heterogeneous in all patients. Tumor necrosis with communication into the collecting system occurred in on e patient. The one available angiogram demonstrated hypovascularity. C ONCLUSION: Patients with renal medullary carcinoma share particular de mographic, clinical, and radiologic features that might enable radiolo gists to suggest a specific diagnosis.