Relative value of computed tomography and ultrasonography in the assessment of renal angiomyolipoma.

Imaging studies on six patients with known angiomyolipomas were reviewed to determine the contribution of each imaging modality to the preoperative diagnosis. A spectrum of clinical presentations from asymptomatic patients with tuberous sclerosis to acutely ill patients with flank pain and hypotension was included. Findings varied from multiple, small, bilateral intrarenal masses to single larger masses with extrarenal components. Computed tomography (CT) identified fat containing masses in all cases. Ultrasound showed hyperechoic masses in all four cases in which it was utilized. In addition, CT allowed diagnosis of associated hematomas and additional angiomyolipomas not seen on other studies. Ultrasound provided a noninvasive follow-up method without the use of ionizing radiation.