Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in childhood. A case report

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an uncommon chronic inflammatory renal disorder. Most cases have been described in middle aged women and it is extremely rare in children. We report a case of a 4 year old girl who suffered from recurrent urinary tract infection and antibiotic therapy resistance. She had low growth-rate and palpable left renal mass on examination and was confirmed by radiological findings. We performed left kidney partial resection and then histological examination showed focal xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. The focal form of the disease may respond to antibiotic treatment although usually an enucleation or partial resection must be performed. In conclusion xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a renal mass and recurrent urinary tract infection in childhood.