Abstract

ABSTRACT: Renal cell carcinoma with venous extension can be evaluated preoperatively using computerized tomography, venography, arteriography, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The spectrum of venous involvement ranges from bland thrombus to tumor with neovascularity. With CT imaging, bland thrombus or tumor thrombus without vivid neovascularity will show a central area of decreased attenuation. Using CT with intravenous bolus technique, thrombus with neovascularity will show attenuation that is isodense with the viable portions of the tumor. This appearance represents the venous extension of tumor thrombus containing a rich bed of neovascularity.