Impact of noninvasive imaging on increased incidental detection of renal cell carcinoma

Objective: To determine the impact of non-invasive imaging, specifically ul trasound imaging and computed tomography, on the incidental detection of re nal cell carcinoma during two consecutive time periods, one prior and one s ubsequent to the acquisition of imaging equipment. Methods: All located patient charts (83% of 207) of renal cell carcinoma ca ses (n = 172) were reviewed, and categorized by presentation method as 'inc idental' or 'nonincidental' cases, based on defined criteria. Clinical info rmation was recorded, cases were staged, and survival estimates were calcul ated, Results: More than a third of the 172 cases were categorized as incidentall y detected, most of which (82.5%) were detected during the latter time peri od. Either ultrasound or CT imaging was credited with detecting over 80% of the incidentally detected tumors. Conclusion: Ultrasound and CT imaging have contributed to the incidental de tection of renal cell carcinomas during the two time periods. Stage signifi cantly predicted survival (p<0.001) in a Cox proportional hazard model that also controlled for presentation, sex, and age. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karg er AG, Basel.