Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: an overview and management guide for clinicians

“Uroptysis!” – A case report of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with nephrobronchial fistulation

Introduction and importance

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon complication of chronic urinary tract infection, classically secondary to a chronic obstructive uropathy, resulting in destruction of renal parenchyma and a non-functioning kidney (Jha and Aeddula, 2022 [1]). This is rarely associated with nephrobronchial fistulation, with few published case reports in the literature to date.

Case presentation

We present the rare case of a 42-year-old female who was admitted to an Irish tertiary urology centre with abdominal pain, elevated inflammatory markers and an obstructive uropathy on initial imaging, with a new diagnosis of XGP. Initial management was with targeted intravenous antimicrobial therapy, percutaneous nephrostomy and perinephric drain insertion. The subsequent discovery of a nephrobronchial fistula later complicated the case, warranting plan for interval nephrectomy and fistula repair following prolonged medical management. We discuss the initial presentation, workup and image-guided approach to management.

Clinical discussion

XGP is an uncommon sequela of chronic renal suppurative infection, and is usually associated with long-standing ureteric obstruction secondary to a staghorn calculus. Nephrobronchial fistulation is a rare complication of XGP, highlighting the significance of this case discussion.

Conclusion

XGP should be considered in cases of suspected chronic pyelonephritis and may rarely lead to nephrobronchial fistulation. In cases of known XGP and pleural empyema, nephrobronchial fistulation should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.

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Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is rare and associated with chronic upper urinary tract infection and obstruction.

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Nephrobronchial fistulation is a rare complication of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

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In cases of XGP and concurrent pleural empyema, a nephrobronchial fistula should be considered.

Case report: Localized xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in children: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN), which is featured by inflammatory destruction of renal parenchyma and fibrosis of kidney, occurs mainly among adults, sporadically among children and rarely among infants. Recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney stone-induced obstructive nephropathy, malnutrition, abnormal lipid metabolism, hypoimmunity, lymphatic obstruction and congenital urinary abnormalities may all cause XGPN among children. Its primary treatment is radical nephrectomy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this study, we describe a rare case of XGPN in a 7-year-old boy infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The child presented with symptoms including recurrent fever, urine culture negative. The postoperative pathology confirmed XGPN. Besides, partial nephrectomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

XGPN, as a special type of chronic pyelonephritis, is a rare pyelonephritis requiring surgical treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to reducing its morbidity and mortality. Although radical nephrectomy is the primary therapeutic option for patients with XGPN, partial nephrectomy surgery should be considered for focal XGPN, aiming to preserve residual renal function in children as far as possible.