Venous invasion in renal cell carcinoma: a correlative clinical and radiologic study.

Angiography, cavography, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to explore venous tumor invasion in 86 patients with renal cell carcinoma. The findings confirm previous experience that ultrasound and dynamic CT are reliable methods for the evaluation of venous invasion. Low-field magnetic resonance imaging does not improve tumor staging. In case of equivocal findings, vena cavography should be used as a complementary examination.