Renal arteriovenous malformations: CT features

The CT and clinical features of six patients with congenital renal arteriovenous malformation (RAVM) were reviewed to determine the characteristics of this condition. The most common symptom was hematuria. The CT images were characterized by masses of vascular density located in the renal sinus and surrounding the pelvicaliceal system with or without dilated renal veins. The exact size of the RAVM and the relation to the pelvicaliceal system were well demonstrated by delayed images or drip infusion technique, whereas the bolus injection technique was essential to document the vascular nature. The potential pitfalls in diagnosis that can occur if only an infusion study is performed are discussed.