Sonography in transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis.

Real-time ultrasound examination of the kidneys was performed in 11 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the renal collecting system. Each sonogram revealed a zone in the renal sinus which was less echogenic than the normal sinus and which corresponded to the extent of the tumor. Although the specificity and sensitivity of this finding are not yet known, this appearance should suggest the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma.