Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis

Abstract

Introduction: By definition the renal abscesses are purulent
collections, resulting from an infection that affects the renal tissue with liquefaction and subsequent sequestration.
Methods: The authors present a case of a 70 years old female
inpatient at the Department of Internal Medicine. She had complaints of fatigue, anorexia, worsening of dyspnoea, generalized
itching (without skin changes), recurrent tremors, sweating and
episodes of fever. At the time of admission were considered, as
differential diagnoses, occult abscesses and neoplasm. After
conducting several tests and nephrectomy was possible to make
the diagnosis of Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP).
Discussion / Conclusions: XGP is a form of renal chronic infection and surrounding tissues, first described in 1916 by Schlagenhaufer with the name of “staphylomycosis” (due to its similarity
to actinomyces and the presence of staphylococci), characterized
by destruction of renal parenchyma by macrophages containing
lipids. Gross pathological changes include increasing of the kidney
(sometimes massive), lithiasis, peripelvic fibrosis, hydronephrosis
and lobulated yellow masses replacing the renal parenchyma.