Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 8, Issue 7 381-384, Copyright © 1989 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Sonographic appearance of primary retroperitoneal cysts
L. E. Derchi, G. Rizzatto, A. Banderali, P. Sala, G. C. Larghero and L. Solbiati
Istituto di Radiologia, Cattedra B, Universita di Genova, Italy.
The sonographic findings observed in four patients with primary
retroperitoneal cysts were reviewed. All lesions presented as fluid-filled
masses with anechoic content and regular margins; all increased through
transmission. Preoperative location of the cysts within the retroperitoneal
space was possible in all cases by either real-time ultrasound (US)
analysis of the different relationships of the kidneys and the cysts during
respiratory movements or the anterior displacement of surrounding
structures. A differential diagnosis among retroperitoneal lesions
containing fluid is difficult and cannot be obtained with imaging methods
alone. However, preoperative knowledge of both the retroperitoneal location
of the disease process and its fluid content may help to narrow the
diagnostic possibilities, thus allowing the surgeon to more accurately plan
the therapeutic approach to the patient.
