Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of 105 mm Versus Conventional and Magnification Radiographic Techniques in the Arteriographic Diagnosis of Renal and Perirenal Masses

The diagnostic accuracy of 105 mm photofluorography (23 cm mode) versus magnification and/or conventional radiography in the arteriographic evaluation of renal or perirenal masses was evaluated. The comparative results in 106 selective renal arteriograms, always using 105 mm technique and at least one other radiographic modality (conventional and/or magnification), were reviewed. In three instances, the pathology was not apparent on the 105 mm photofluorographs but was diagnosed on the magnification radiographs. Conventional radiography was not performed in these cases. In no instance was an abnormality observed on either the 105 mm photofluorographs or the eonventional radiographs that was not apparent on the magnification radiographs. The limited radiographic field size was a frequent disadvantage using the 105 mm photofluorographic and to a lesser extent magnification techniques. Forty-nine of 100 patients with single renal arteries examined with 105 mm photofluorographic and 12 of 77 patients examined with magnification radiography had a portion of the kidney or pathology excluded from the radiographic field. Using the techniques and equipment described in the paper, we conclude that 105 mm photofluorography (23 cm mode), despite many attractive advantages, is not presently suitable as a sole radiographic technique in the arteriographic evaluation of renal pathology.