Radiologic diagnosis of renal pelvis and ureter carcinoma

The authors retrospectively analyzed 20 cases of histologically proved renal pelvis and ureteral carcinoma during recent 12 years in Hanyang University Hospital is an attempt to review findings and characteristics of each diagnostic modalities. The results were as follows: 1. 18 cases were originated from the renal pelvis and 2 cases were from the lower ureter. Histologically all cases were papillary growing transitional cell carcinoma, and 65% of them were infiltrative advanced lesions. 2. The most prevalent age groups was 7th decade and was more common in male at the ratio of 4 : 1. 3. The main symptom was gross hematuria occurring in 85% of cases. WBC and RBC was frequently observed in urine microscopy. 4. 14 cases were occurred in left side and 6 cases were in right side. The multiplicity of lesions in the ipsilateral ureter and bladder were observed in 45% if cases. 5. The most common IVP findings were intraluminal radiolucent filling defects and non-visualization. Findings such as space occupying lesion, focal calyx obliteration and non-visualization were suggestive of renal parenchymal invasion. 6. Generally RGP offered more information and better image than IVP, and was essential for determine the causes of non-visualized kidney.7. The characteristic angiographic findings were mass with evidence of vessel encasement, displacement and prominent pelviuretericartexy. 8. Ultrasonographic findings were solid mass causing separation of the central renal sinus echo. Obliteration of the renal sinus echo with bulkly mass was suggestive of renal parenchymal invasion