Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Cystic Renal Diseases

Abstract

Cystic renal diseases are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. They are classified according to genetic factors, clinical course as well as pathological and radiological findings. The classification of renal cysts from Kissane (1967), Spence and Singleton (1972) and Fanre (1977) is satisfactory in this condition. The classification presented in Table 1 is modified from Bernstein (1973). Conventional plain abdominal film and intravenous urography are performed as a screening procedure. Sonography and computed tomography (CT) demonstrate more detail and are able to make the accurate diagnosis. This chapter describes these cystic renal diseases and focuses on the findings of CT.