Alternative vascular channels in renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Thirty-eight angiograms performed on 47 patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma were reviewed and correlated with surgical and pathological findings. Collateral arteries were seen to supply the tumour in 20 cases but the renal capsule was intact in at least 13 of these. Dilated perirenal veins were identified in 16 cases but the main renal vein was patent in at least 13 of these. It was therefore concluded that collateral arteries are not a reliable sign of capsular invasion and that collateral veins are not a reliable sign of renal vein occlusion. The significance of these observations is discussed. It was remarkable that collateral arteries and collateral veins frequently coexisted. A mechanism for this association is suggested. Thirty-eight angiograms performed on 47 patients suffering from renal cell carcinoma were reviewed and correlated with surgical and pathological findings. Collateral arteries were seen to supply the tumour in 20 cases but the renal capsule was intact in at least 13 of these. Dilated perirenal veins were identified in 16 cases but the main renal vein was patent in at least 13 of these. It was therefore concluded that collateral arteries are not a reliable sign of capsular invasion and that collateral veins are not a reliable sign of renal vein occlusion. The significance of these observations is discussed. It was remarkable that collateral arteries and collateral veins frequently coexisted. A mechanism for this association is suggested.