ROENTGENOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN THE RENAL LESION OF TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS

Abstract

The presence of a tumor mass or masses of an ill -defined yet radiotranslucent nature in one or both kidneys, perhaps associated with pelvocalyceal distortion, or the presence of multiple mottled lucencies in an expanded poorly defined renal image, the collecting system of which resembles that seen in polycystic disease, suggests the presence of angiomyolipomatous change in the kidney parenchyma. Coupled with other roentgenographic signs in the lung, brain and skeletal system, these findings should indicate the presence of tuberous sclerosis. Since many lesions present initially as a urologic problem, it may be possible to avoid a useless nephrectomy since malignant degeneration in these lesions is quite rare and the involvement is often bilateral. Nephrotomographic study is of considerable importance in clearly defining the structural alterations in the kidney.