Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Renal Vein and Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus From Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma is a hypervascular tumor with a high propensity to invade adjacent renal veins and inferior vena cava. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging is very important to detect the presence and characterize the tumor extension. Magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and Doppler ultrasound have been used with success to assess venous tumor thrombus. Although positron emission tomography (PET) is limited in the evaluation of primary urologic malignancy, this imaging modality may help in oncologic staging. The author presents a case of bilateral renal cell carcinoma with F-18 FDG PET demonstration of right renal vein and inferior vena cava tumor invasion.