Role of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Wilms’ Tumour

Abstract

Background. Wilms’ tumour or nephroblastoma is the most common renal malignancy encountered in the paediatric population. Imaging findings are of great importance to the surgeon, the oncologist and the radiologist in the diagnosis and the staging and surveillance of this tumour. Material and Methods. This study was carried out as a 10-year retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour. Results. The study included 12 boys and 11 girls. Ultrasound and computed tomography were performed in all cases. Ultrasonography was found to be superior to the CT examination when approximating the antero-posterior and transverse diameters; the computer-tomographic examination is cited as superior for estimating the invasion of nephroblastomas. Conclusions: Ultrasound has been shown to be effective in detecting the rupture of the renal capsule, tumour calcifications and invasion of the renal vein, pelvis and ureter. However, ultrasound cannot replace CT in the detection of lymphadenopathy and the invasion of adjacent organs.