Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in an infant

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon, severe, chronic infection of the kidney, which results in the normal renal parenchyma being replaced by characteristic lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells). It can occur at any age, but is extremelv rare in children. Herein, the case of a 6-month-3-week-old girl with XGP, pre-operatively diagnosed with a Wilms' tumor, is reported. This is the youngest age of any patient with such a condition reported in the Korean literatures. Excretory urography, abdominal sonogram, computed tornograrn and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right renal round mass, without any calcifications. Her pathological findings after a radical nephrectomy revealed XGP.