Evaluation of renal masses by ultrasound and computed tomography: a preliminary study.

Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound were performed on fifty-two patients with renal masses. Both modalities were able to correctly demonstrate the renal mass with an equal degree of accuracy. Since renal ultrasound is a well established, economical and noninvasive technique, it should be the diagnostic procedure of choice to determine whether or not a mass demonstrated by intravenous urography is cystic or solid. However, if faster scanning times as well as lower patient cost could be accomplished, more widespread use of CT as a diagnostic modality for differentiation of renal masses could result.