CT and MRI imaging features and long-term follow-up of adult Wilms’ tumor

Abstract

Background

Only few previous case reports have been found focusing on the imaging findings of adult Wilms’ tumor (WT).

Purpose

To characterize multislice computed tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and follow-up results of adult WT.

Material and Methods

Sixteen patients with WT were studied retrospectively. MSCT and MRI were undertaken to investigate the tumor characteristics.

Results

Tumors (mean diameter, 13.1 ± 4.5 cm) exhibited an expansible appearance and disrupted the reniform contour (16/16), cystic components (16/16), curvilinear calcification (1/16), poorly marginated (2/16), hemorrhage (16/16), displacement of renal pelvis or calyx (13/16), and had lymph node or distal metastases (5/16). Attenuation of WT was less or equal compared to renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT (P > 0.05), while tumor enhancement after administration of a contrast agent was lower than that of normal renal parenchyma (P < 0.05). WT was isointense on T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, isointense or hypointense on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging. Tumor enhancement was less than normal renal cortex in all phases (P < 0.05). The number of tumor stages (grades I, II, III, and IV) was two, three, six, and five cases, respectively. Follow-up time was in the range of 19–123 months; six patients died within 3 years, six patients died within 5 years after the initial diagnosis, with the remaining patients still alive.

Conclusion

Adult WT tends to be a large tumor, isointense or hypointense on T2W imaging with enhancement less than normal renal parenchyma in all phases. The long-term follow-up results demonstrated the poor prognosis of the tumor.