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Magnetic resonance imaging of large chromophobe renal cell carcinomas

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to clarify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of large chromophobe renal cell carcinomas.

Materials and methods

Five patients diagnosed pathologically with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma are included. MRI findings were retrospectively evaluated for the tumor contour, uniformity and hypointensity of the rim of the tumor on T2-weighted images, “microscopic fat,” enhancement degree and pattern on dynamic study, and necrosis in the tumor, among other findings.

Results

The tumor size ranged from 4.8 to 13.7 cm (mean 7.9 cm). The tumor contour was well defined in four patients. All but one tumor showed a hypointensity rim, and all tumors had a heterogeneous appearance on T2-weighted images. “Microscopic fat” was detected in one case. All tumors demonstrated low enhancement compared to that of the renal cortex. All tumors showed heterogeneous enhancement on postcontrast images. Necrosis was seen in four. Hemorrhage and renal vein thrombosis was seen in one.

Conclusion

Chromophobe renal cell carcinomas of large size tend to have a heterogeneous appearance on postcontrast and T2-weighted images, a well-defined tumor contour with a hypointensity rim on T2-wighted images, and lower enhancement than that of the renal cortex. Tumor necrosis is easily apparent, and “microscopic fat” may be observed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan

    Kohei Sasaguri, Hiroyuki Irie, Noriyuki Kamochi, Takahiko Nakazono & Sho Kudo

  2. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan

    Ken Yamaguchi

  3. Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan

    Jiro Uozumi

Authors
  1. Kohei Sasaguri
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  2. Hiroyuki Irie
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  3. Noriyuki Kamochi
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  4. Takahiko Nakazono
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  5. Ken Yamaguchi
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  6. Jiro Uozumi
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  7. Sho Kudo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kohei Sasaguri.

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Sasaguri, K., Irie, H., Kamochi, N. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of large chromophobe renal cell carcinomas. Jpn J Radiol 28, 453–459 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-010-0450-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-010-0450-0

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