ACCURACY OF ULTRASOUND IN PREDICTING THE NATURE OF RENAL MASSES

Renal ultrasonography is an established, reliable means of evaluating the consistency of renal masses. In a retrospective evaluation of 136 proved cases renal ultrasonography was 95% accurate in distinguishing normal from pathological renal masses, 85% accurate in diagnosing uncomplicated cysts and 100% accurate in identifying complicated cysts, polycystic disease, extrarenal lesions and solid or partially solid neoplasms. Ultrasonography was useful in directing the diagnostic examination and in determining which patients should undergo further, more invasive diagnostic procedures.