Intravenous digital subtraction angiography in the preoperative evaluation of renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography [IVDSA] was performed in 5 patients with renal cell carcinoma presenting with a solitary renal mass to assist in the preoperative evaluation to document the number of renal arteries present with the relative vascularity of the tumour, and to record tumour extension into the renal vein or inferior vena cava. The IDVSA findings were compared with computed tomography [CT] as well as the surgical and pathological results. IVDSA was found to be relatively non-invasive, safe and accurate. It offers unique information and is complementary to CT in the evaluation of a renal mass