Complete Angiographic Evaluation of Renal Cancer

In 30 patients with renal carcinoma, the standard angiographic examination was supplemented by one or more of the following techniques: selective renal arteriography after epinephrine hydrochloride injection, selective phlebography of the renal veins, selective catheterization of the small retroperitoneal arteries (inferior phrenic, middle adrenal, lumbar, and gonadal), and selective angiography of suspected sites of metastasis. As a result of these additional studies, it was possible to determine more precisely the size and location of the tumor, to evaluate its spread through the renal capsule and adjacent structures, to determine its growth into renal veins, and to detect or verify metastases. This information aided both the planning of therapy and the assessment of prognosis.