Can contrast enhanced ultrasound differentiate benign cystic nephroma from malignant multicystic renal lesions? A case report

Multicystic renal lesions pose a diagnostic dilemma and standard imaging may not be able to differentiate between benign or malignant lesions. Adult cystic nephroma and multicystic renal cell carcinoma are two such cystic renal lesions. We describe the appearance of cystic nephroma using contrast enhanced ultrasound. We hypothesize how quantitative parameters using time intensity curves appear to be able to distinguish between cystic nephroma and other malignant lesions such as multicystic renal cell carcinoma. This differentiation is of importance as it may obviate the need for tissue sampling and allow the clinician to recommend conservative management rather than nephrectomy.