Abstract :
Background: Retroperitoneal masses constitute a heterogeneous group of uncommon lesions and represent a challenge due to overlapping imaging findings. Most are malignant lesions.
Aims: To evaluate the role of CT in the detection, localization and characterization of retroperitoneal masses and to compare and correlate with post-surgical evaluation and histological evaluation whenever possible.
Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study carried out in the Department of Radiodiagnosis for a period of 2 years. Present study involved 50 patients of either sex belonging to various age groups. The CT scan findings were correlated with the findings at surgery and histopathological examination.
Results: Renal masses were the most common retroperitoneal mass(48%). Renal cell carcinoma was the most common renal tumour (66.6%)and pancreatic adenocarcinoma was the most common pancreatic tumour (68.7%). Majority of cases of retroperitoneal mass were in the age group 51-70 years. Males were affected more than females in a ratio of 1.94: 1. Mass in the abdomen was the most common clinical presenting feature (40%). CT accuracy in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumours was 96%.
Conclusions: CT is an essential diagnostic modality in diagnosing and characterizing retroperitoneal masses. It establishes the location of such masses and shows in great detail the associated findings.
Keyword :
Retroperitoneal masses, Renal cell carcinoma, Pancreatic adenocarcinoma