Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGPN) in a Child with Multiple Ureteric Calculi.

ABSTRACT

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is an unusual suppurative granulomatous reaction to chronic renal infection, often in the presence of chronic obstruction, characterised histologically by granulomatous reaction with giant cells and foamy histiocytes1. XGPN is rare in children2. We report a case of XGPN, in a child with multiple lower ureteric calculi. An 11 year old male child presented to us, with features suggestive of acute pyelonephritis of two months duration.complete evaluation including contrast CT of the abdomen a diagnosis of XGPN was made. As the renal unit in question was non functional, he was treated successfully by subcapsular nephrectomy. This case is presented to emphasise the fact that, it is very important to diagnose XGPN early and differentiate it from chronic pyelonephritis. Prolonged antibiotic therapy and surgery is invariably required to relieve the obstruction and to eradicate the infection in patients with XGPN.