Imaging diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: report of 6 cases

Objective: To explore the imaging diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP), especially the value of angiography.

Methods: Combined with literature review, a retrospective analysis was conducted of the imaging data of 6 pathologically confirmed XGP cases as an attempt to define the preoperative diagnosis of the disease.

Results: Four cases of XGP were diagnosed preoperatively, and 2 were misdiagnosed as renal abscess. Renal arteriography revealed more characteristic changes, and the diagnosis of XGP relied on the clinical presentations and multiple imaging examinations.

Conclusions: Renal arteriography is the principal approach in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of XGP.