Renal Angiomyolipoma Based on New Classification: How to Differentiate It From Renal Cell Carcinoma

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2019 Mar;212(3):582-588. doi: 10.2214/AJR.18.20408. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe useful imaging features for differentiating angiomyolipoma (AML) subtypes from renal cell carcinoma subtypes.

Conclusion: A newer radiologic classification of renal AML consists of fat-rich AML (≤ -10 HU), fat-poor AML (> -10 HU; tumor-to-spleen ratio < 0.71; signal intensity index, > 16.5%), and fat-invisible AML (> -10 HU; tumor-to-spleen ratio, > 0.71; signal intensity index, < 16.5%). Each subtype must be differentiated from the renal cell carcinoma subtype because of overlapping imaging features.

Keywords: MDCT; MRI; angiomyolipoma; kidney; renal cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Contrast Media