Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis presenting as acute pleuritic chest pain: a case report

A case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis leading to nephrobronchial fistula and lung abscess: does it always manifest with respiratory symptoms?

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a serious manifestation of chronic kidney inflammation that can expand to adjacent structures. Here we report a case of XGP extending beyond the diaphragm through a nephrobronchial fistula to form a lung abscess in a 70-year-old man. The patient presented to the emergency department with severe right flank colic pain, nausea, vomiting and nonspecific constitutional symptoms for the past 4 months. Although the patient did not complain of any respiratory symptoms, initial evaluations revealed severe right-sided hydroureteronephrosis with debris, as well as an area of infiltration in the right lung lower lobe (RLL). Given the patient's condition, a thorough work-up was expedited to investigate the potential association between the symptoms. Ultimately, a diagnosis of XGP with expansion to the RLL through the right hemidiaphragm was developed. A right radical nephrectomy, right lower lobectomy and right hemidiaphragm resection were carried out. XGP was confirmed on the basis of the pathological evaluation of the resected specimens.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with calculus migration into the psoas abscess: an unusual complication

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare variant of chronic pyelonephritis. It is characterized by progressive parenchymal destruction caused by chronic renal obstruction due to calculus, stricture, or rarely tumor, resulting in kidney function loss. Herein, we describe the case of a 36-year-old female who presented with left loin pain, left lower limb pain, and dysuria. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), multiple abscesses and an obstructive staghorn calculus were depicted in the left kidney with the classical appearance of “Bear Paw Sign.” An abscess with calculi was also present within the left psoas muscle. Though psoas muscle abscess in association with XGP was described, a ureteric fistula and calculi within the psoas muscle have not yet been reported in the literature. Left nephrostomy was performed, which came out to be positive for E. coli on culture. The patient underwent left nephrectomy, and the histopathological report of the surgical specimen confirmed XGP.

A Case of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis with Nephropleural Fistula Formation: Role of MRI in Diagnosis and Treatment

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare type of chronic bacterial nephritis, which rarely involves the invasion of adjacent organs or the formation of fistulas due to tissue-destructive granulomatous reactions. Although the invasions of various adjacent organs have been reported in several cases of XGP, MRI data on their features are limited. MRI has a better soft-tissue resolution than CT. Thus, it can identify the extent of extrarenal involvement in advanced XGP, and the findings can be used in treatment planning. Herein, we report a rare case of XGP with nephropleural fistula formation diagnosed using CT and MRI.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis presenting as giant gluteal abscess

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare chronic suppurative granulomatous infection of the kidney associated with renal obstruction and progressive renal parenchymal destruction. We present an unusual clinically occult case of extensive right XGP which presented clinically with discharging right gluteal sinus and swollen right posterolateral chest and abdominal walls extending caudally to right gluteus. Contrast enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed obstructing right renal calculi, severe hydronephrosis, renal destruction and large (20.7 × 10.2 × 14.7 cm) abscess extending caudally to right gluteus. Histopathology of the specimen was concluded as right xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. This case demonstrates how distant an insidious XGP can infiltrate. It also emphasizes the need to have a broad range of differential diagnoses including XGP when presented with a case of gluteal abscess and sinus. Contrast enhanced computed tomography plays a key role in evaluating the cause, extent and complications of XGP and is also useful in pretreatment planning.

Clinicopathological Spectrum of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon and distinct type of chronic infective pyelonephritis causing destruction of the kidney, severely affecting the renal function. The perinephric adipose tissue and peritoneum is not uncommonly involved. The study was undertaken to decipher the clinicopathologic spectrum of XGP. Forty cases of XGP were diagnosed on histopathology over a period of 13 years (2005–2017). Relevant clinical details and radiological findings were recorded from the case files. Out of a total of 40 cases, 26 were female and 14 were male with a mean age of 39.5 ± 13.6 years. Flank pain was the most common presenting symptom. All the patients had unilateral disease and underwent nephrectomy for a nonfunctional kidney. Gross examination showed enlarged kidney with replacement of cortico-medullary tissue by yellow nodular areas of fatty tissue and dilatation of the pelvicalyceal system. Thirty-six (90%) cases had nephrolithiasis. Histologically, the characteristic feature was the existence of lipid-laden foamy macrophages. Renal parenchymal involvement was diffuse in majority (31, 77.5%). Two (5.0%) of the patients had coexisting carcinoma in the same kidney. Histopathologic examination gives the definitive diagnosis of XGP which relies on the characteristic morphology. Surgical intervention in the form of nephrectomy is the treatment of choice and offers good treatment outcomes.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis presenting as a left-sided pleural effusion

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare chronic granulomatous process that affects the kidneys. It is usually associated with longstanding urinary tract infections and obstruction. Patients suffering from XGP typically present with undifferentiated symptoms, including abdominal pain, weight loss, and intermittent fevers. For this reason, diagnosis is often delayed until patients are acutely unwell with sepsis.

Urinothorax Caused by Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare form of chronic pyelonephritis that generally afflicts middle-aged women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Its pathogenesis generally involves calculus obstructive uropathy and its histopathology is characterized by replacement of the renal parenchyma with lipid filled macrophages. This often manifests as an enlarged, nonfunctioning kidney that may be complicated by abscess or fistula. This case details the first reported case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis complicated by urinothorax, which resolved on follow-up chest X-ray after robot-assisted nephrectomy.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a case with rare adhesion to pancreas

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare benign condition with unknown aetiology and chronic infection of kidney. Commonly, most cases are related with urinary tract obstruction, nephrolithiasis, infection, diabetes, and/or immune compromise. XGP is associated with destruction of the renal parenchyma and granulomatous inflammation with foamy lipid-laden macrophages resulting from obstructive uropathy. It closely mimics a malignancy, exhibiting local tissue invasion and destruction. Adjacent organs especially duodenum as well as very rarely pancreas or spleen may be involved. Additionally, XGP is known as notorious for fistulisations, such as pyelocutaneous and ureterocutaneous fistulae, which have been reported as well described. XGP may be indistinguishable from renal cell carcinoma by radiographic and clinic consultation so it must be diagnosed based on the histopathologic examinations. Furthermore, macroscopic appearance of XGP is a mass of yellow tissue with focal haemorrhage besides necrosis and in this regard, it grossly resembles renal cell carcinoma. Here, we report the case of a 32-year-old female, preoperatively diagnosed as malignancy by clinical examination. Our further pathological evaluations revealed very rarely adhesion of XGP to pancreas tissue.