[Multi-slice computed tomography diagnosis of collecting duct carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the diagnostic features of collecting duct carcinoma (CDC).

Methods: A total of 7 CDC patients were retrospectively examined by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). The relevant diagnostic parameters were assessed.

Results: All lesions were located in renal medulla. Among them, infiltrations extended to renal calyx (n = 3) and cortex (n = 5). There were indistinct boundaries (capsule sign) on enhanced phase (n = 6) and pre-capsule (n = 1). On non-enhanced CT, CDC attenuation was greater than normal renal cortex or medulla (43.8 ± 5.3 vs 37.6 ± 5.1 or 32.6 ± 4.1, P < 0.05). The degree of enhancement was less than normal renal cortex and medulla during all enhanced phases (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Excellent consistency existed between CT appearances of CDC and pathological characteristics.

Conclusion: Dynamic contrast enhanced-CT can show distinct imaging features of CDC correlated with pathological characteristics so as to allow a better differential diagnosis.