How Not to Miss or Mischaracterize a Renal Cell Carcinoma: Protocols, Pearls, and Pitfalls

OBJECTIVE. MDCT protocol optimization for renal cell carcinoma requires attention to several data acquisition, reconstruction, and display parameters. Specifically, multiple acquisitions with varying coverage, careful timing of each contrast-enhanced phase, and use of 2D and 3D multiplanar displays are required. This article reviews these parameters, supplemented by experience-based pearls and pitfalls. CONCLUSION. Proper data acquisition and utilization of postprocessing tools are essential to avoid missed diagnoses or misinterpretation when imaging renal cell carcinoma.