Rhabdoid tumour of the kidney: imaging findings

Abstract

Background. Rhabdoid tumour of the kidney (RTK) is a rare tumour, but it is the most aggressive malignant neoplasm of the kidney in children. Objective. To analyse the radiological findings of RTK in children. Materials and methods. The clinical and radiological findings in seven children (age range 6 months to 4.7 years; median 18 months) with pathologically proven RTK were retrospectively reviewed. We analysed tumour size, tumour location, tumour margin, subcapsular haematoma, tumour necrosis, haemorrhage, calcification and lymphadenopathy. Results. Tumour size varied from 5 to 12 cm. Four tumours were located mainly in the central portion of the kidney, while three tumours were mainly sited peripherally. The margins of the tumour were ill-defined in four (57 %) of seven cases, a lobulated tumour surface was depicted in all seven (100 %), subcapsular haematoma was present in four (57 %), tumour necrosis or haemorrhage in seven (100 %), calcifications in three (43 %) and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in four (57 %). Conclusions. Imaging findings of RTK are subcapsular haematoma, a lobulated surface of the tumour, calcification and tumour necrosis or haemorrhage.