Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is characterized by intense angiogenesis with hyperexpression of proangiogenic factors. This study explored the potential of dynamic tissue perfusion measurement (DTPM) to detect differences in tissue perfusion between kidneys with RCC and corresponding healthy kidneys. Patients and Methods: 30 patients with unilateral, histologically confirmed RCC underwent DTPM by color Doppler ultrasound. Before scheduled surgery, Doppler ultrasound data were acquired from four transverse areas of the affected kidney and the contralateral healthy kidney. Doppler ultrasound data were recorded over a 10-second period and characteristic tissue perfusion parameters were determined. Results: The kidneys with RCC displayed characteristic changes in perfusion parameters. A significant increase in signal intensity and a significant decrease in flow resistance were noted. A combination of several DTPM parameters was used to distinguish correctly between kidneys bearing RCC or healthy kidneys with up to 75% accuracy. There was no association between the perfusion parameters and the pathological characteristics of the respective tumors. Conclusions: DTPM is a promising tool for the evaluation of whole-organ tissue perfusion. This study demonstrates the feasibility of performing DTPM measurements in kidneys bearing RCC lesions. In tumors that are characterized by extensive neovascularization, this method has the potential to be a valuable diagnostic tool.

Keywords:
Kidney, Renal cell carcinoma, Dynamic tissue perfusion measurement, Color Doppler ultrasound
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© 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
2012
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