Role of multiarray CT in the choice of treatment strategy for renal cancer. Report of a case of renal tumour with double thrombus of the inferior vena cava.

Renal cancer with caval thrombus is a disease which requires precise preope rative assessment, in order to adapt the surgical technique to the stage an d extent of the disease. Recent developments in CT imaging, spiral acquisit ion an more recently, the multiarray technique, allow a high quality evalua tion. In the light of a case of right renal tumour with bifocal caval exten sion, the authors discuss the valuable contribution of this imaging modalit y in the staging assessment and evaluation of arterial (single or multiple artery, anatomical situation in relation to the left renal vein, presence o f early bifurcations, etc.), and venous structures (renal vein, genital vei n, extension of the thrombus, lumber vein and hepatic vein). Improvements i n CT imaging constitute a major progress in the staging of renal cancers wi th caval thrombus and make a considerable contribution to the choice of tre atment strategy.