Learning objectives
Know the different entities that may manifest as a renal pseudotumor.
Describe the radiological characteristics that can help us to differentiate them from a real neoplasia.
Background
In this paper,
we would like to first define the term of renal pseudotumor to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
Renal pseudotumors is defined as a real or simulated renal mass,
radiologically resembling neoplasm,
but histologically consisting of normal renal parenchyma.
Numerous entities are capable of simulating a renal neoplasm.
Some of them,
such as renal cysts or abscesses,
can be diagnosed radiologically with some ease,
allowing for conservative treatment.
However,
there are rare renal lesions that despite the efforts to characterize it accurately,
can be...
Findings and procedure details
1- Developmental Renal Pseudotumors:
Prominent Columns of Bertin (PCB) Fig. 1
Prominent Columns of Bertin is a normal variant of the kidney formed by hypertrophied cortical tissue located between the pyramids that projects towards the renal sinus,
resulting in the expansion of the sinus.
It is due to the lack of reabsorption of the polar parenchyma of one or both kidneys that must be fused to form normal kidneys.
They are usually located at the junction between the upper third and the middle third of...
Conclusion
The radiological findings should be correlated with the clinical manifestations presented by the patient.
In many cases it is necessary to complete the study with other imaging techniques with an appropriate study protocol to perform a correct characterization of the lesion.
When radiological features suggest a benign lesion,
but it is not possible to completely rule out neoplasia,
a radiological follow-up of the lesion may be recommended.
Finally,
in some cases,
the histopathological study will be the key to the definitive diagnosis of the lesion.
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Renal pseudotumors: an anatomic-radiologic classification.
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