Radiology, Vol 180, 715-717, Copyright © 1991 by Radiological Society of North America
Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney: CT, sonographic, and pathologic correlation
RB Glass, AJ Davidson and SK Fernbach
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
The sonographic and computed tomographic findings in 12 children aged 1- 6
years with clear cell sarcoma of the kidney were reviewed retrospectively.
Tumor size, calcification, and internal architecture were characterized and
correlated with the gross pathologic findings. All tumors were unilateral
and large (8.5-16 cm in diameter). Except for one, all masses were
predominantly solid, and all contained some well-defined portions of low
attenuation or hypoechogenicity that represented tumor necrosis. In
addition, seven tumors contained uncomplicated fluid-filled cysts with
diameters ranging from a few millimeters to 5 cm. Extension into the
inferior vena cava was not noted. The radiologic features of clear cell
sarcoma of the kidney are common to all malignant renal neoplasms. Some
cases, however, may have features that simulate those of benign conditions,
such as multilocular cystic nephroma or segmental cystic dysplasia. No
pattern was discerned that would permit discrimination between clear cell
sarcoma of the kidney and the most common renal neoplasm of childhood,
Wilms tumor.
