How Competent is Computed Tomography in Characterization and Grading of Renal Malignancies: Our Experience

Objectives: Accurate diagnosis of renal tumors is critical for obtaining the best treatment and longest possible survival. The purpose of this study is to evaluate computed tomography (CT) parameters of renal masses in order to assess benign and malignant nature as well as accurate grading. Materials and Methods: Fifty three cases with multiphasic abdominal CTs between 2006 and 2011 were included. Precontrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic postcontrast phase images were retrospectively examined for lesion characteristics, enhancement degrees with regard to the normal renal parenchyma and abdominal aorta, blinded to the surgical results. To compare independent groups for categorical variables chi-square, for metric variables Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed to group renal tumor subtypes and when applicable the cut-off values were determined, “Youden” index was calculated. p