Background. Rhabdoid tumour of the kidney (RTK) is a rare tumour, but it is
the most aggressive malignant neoplasm of the kidney in children.
Objective. To analyse the radiological findings of RTK in children.
Materials and methods. The clinical and radiological findings in seven chil
dren (age range 6 months to 4.7 years; median 18 months) with pathologicall
y proven RTK were retrospectively reviewed. We analysed tumour size, tumour
location, tumour margin, subcapsular haematoma, tumour necrosis, haemorrha
ge, calcification and lymphadenopathy.
Results. Tumour size varied from 5 to 12 cm. Four tumours were located main
ly in the central portion of the kidney, while three tumours were mainly si
ted peripherally. The margins of the tumour were ill-defined in four (57%)
of seven cases, a lobulated tumour surface was depicted in all seven (100%)
, subcapsular haematoma was present in four (57%), tumour necrosis or haemo
rrhage in seven (100%), calcifications in three (43%) and retroperitoneal l
ymphadenopathy in four (57%).
Conclusions. Imaging findings of RTK are subcapsular haematoma, a lobulated
surface of the tumour, calcification and tumour necrosis or haemorrhage.