Color duplex sonography vs. computed tomography: Accuracy in the preoperative evaluation of renal cell carcinoma

Purpose: Accurate imaging is essential for correct operative planning and s uccessful surgical intervention in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our objectiv e was the comparison of color duplex sonography with spiral computed tomogr aphy (CT) and surgical-pathological findings in the evaluation of renal mas ses to determine tumor localization, size, tumor thrombus extent and lymph node metastases. Methods:We evaluated 60 patients with a renal mass in a prospective study. Both color duplex sonography and CT were performed by different investigato rs without knowledge of the supposed diagnosis. The color Doppler findings were compared to CT and surgical pathological findings. Results:The sensitivity of color duplex sonography in the detection of RCC and lymph node metastases is comparable to that of CT (100%). Color duplex sonography was superior in the detection of renal vein involvement. Color d uplex sonography alone allowed correct planning of the surgical procedure w ithout intraoperative changes in all patients. Conclusion: Duplex sonography provides exactly the same information as CT A lthough duplex sonography is less expensive with lower exposure to radiatio n, most surgeons will still probably demand CT for diagnosis, especially as this method is unerring and duplex sonography highly depends on the expert ise of the person using it. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.