Pooler Imaging Center complaint alleges renal-mass interpretation and communication failures
The complaint alleges that a patient had a right-kidney lesion identified on a 2020 lumbar-spine CT and that further follow-up was recommended. A December 2020 renal ultrasound at Pooler Imaging Center was interpreted as showing no renal cyst, even though the complaint states the ultrasound showed abnormalities described as likely renal cell carcinoma. Inadequate interpretation and communication delayed monitoring and treatment of an enlarging renal mass, leading to a risk of malignancy and metastasis and loss of the right kidney.
Overview
This page concerns a public complaint alleging that Pooler Imaging Center and radiology providers inadequately interpreted and communicated imaging findings related to a right-kidney mass.
Chronology
The complaint alleges as follows:
- A November 12, 2020 CT of the lumbar spine at Effingham Hospital identified an incidental right-kidney lesion and recommended further evaluation.
- On December 16, 2020, a renal ultrasound was performed at Pooler Imaging Center and interpreted as showing no renal cyst.
- The complaint states that the December 2020 ultrasound showed abnormalities described as likely renal cell carcinoma and that follow-up was communicated as normal.
- On October 9, 2025, the patient presented to a primary-care provider with right lower-back pain radiating to the right hip and testicles and a contrast-enhanced CT was ordered.
- An October 22, 2025 abdomen and pelvis CT at SouthCoast Health was interpreted as showing a right-kidney mass considered renal cell carcinoma until proven otherwise.
- On November 3, 2025, a urologist diagnosed malignant neoplasm of the kidney and scheduled a total right nephrectomy for December 20, 2025.
Alleged failures
The complaint alleges the following failures:
- The radiologist failed to provide adequate interpretation of imaging identifying a renal mass.
- The radiologist failed to communicate findings of a mass to the patient or primary-care provider.
- The alleged breaches delayed timely monitoring and treatment of an enlarging renal mass.
- Delayed monitoring and treatment resulted in a risk of malignancy and metastasis and loss of the right kidney.
- The complaint alleges that Atlantic Radiology Associates d/b/a Pooler Imaging Center breached the standard of care through similar interpretation and communication failures.