Radiology, Vol 139, 119-124, Copyright © 1981 by Radiological Society of North America
Visibility and thickening of the renal fascia on computed tomograms
RA Parienty, J Pradel, JD Picard, R Ducellier, JM Lubrano and N Smolarski
The renal fascia can be seen on CT scans (using appropriate window
settings) in most patients except those with very little fat. CT confirms
current anatomical concepts; however, contrary to the illustrations shown
in the literature, it clearly demonstrates that the anterior pararenal
space normally exists only at the level of the retroperitoneal organs. A
lesion would distend the space. While visualization of the renal fascia on
normal urograms may be an indication of renal disease, a thin renal fascia
on CT scans has no pathological significance. Thickening is nonspecific: it
is not pathognomonic of tumor, nor is it helpful in differentiating
pancreatitis from neoplasm. On the other hand, lack of fascial thickening
may be helpful in ruling out renal extension of a neighboring lesion.
