Papillary renal cell tumor: Comparison of CT and gross morphology

Objective: To analyze the CT appearance of papillary renal cell tumor (pRCT) under consideration of gross pathology. Material and Methods: Preoperative CT-scans of 10 patients suffering from pRCT were re-evaluated by two experienced radiologists. CT appearance was correlated to gross morphology. Results: On CT, 9/10 tumors were depicted as rounded, well circumscribed and sharply delineated masses. These tumors presented a hypodense central area correlating to necrosis in gross pathology. The central area of necrosis was surrounded by vital tumor tissue, presenting as a serpiginous, contrast-enhancing margin on CT. One tumor was polycyclic due to multiple tumor nodules, but sharply demarcated towards the surrounding renal tissue. Conclusions: pRCT presents a quite unique CT appearance similar to its gross pathology.