Learning Objectives:
In recent decades, the number of unclear renal lesions incidentally detected on cross-sectional imaging or ultrasound has grown along with the more widespread use of medical imaging. Conventional B-mode ultrasound is the most frequently used imaging modality for the initial classification of kidney lesions and allows in most of the times a discriminating between cystic and solid renal lesions. In difficult cases contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a reliable imaging modality to characterize cystic and solid renal lesions. This information helps to categorize the cystic renal lesions applying the CEUS-Bosniak-classification. This classification helps to estimate the probability of a malignant etiology of cystic renal lesions. The advantages of CEUS include that there is no effect on the function of the kidneys or the thyroid gland and no radiation exposure.
Take home points
1. To understand how to perform the basic renal examination
2. To become familiar with unclear cystic renal lesions by using the Bosniak classification.
3. To understand the imaging features of renal lesions.
4. To learn about the differential diagnoses of solid renal masses
5. To learn how to manage incidental findings