Renal abscess: recovery without hospitalization and drainage

Renal absceeses in childhood are rare and require hospitalization, antibiotic therapy and drainage.

Two cases of renal abscess in childhood are described. In both cases there was no history of either antecedent skin infection or urinary tract infection or reflux. Flank pain and fever had a sudden onset.

The diagnosis was made in the first case by ultrasound and gadolinium-enhnaced magnetic resonance, in the second case ultrasound and computerized axial tomography were used. The patients were successfully treated at home with antibiotic therapy but without drainage.

Renal abscesses must be suspected in children with loin pain, fever and leukocytosis. They may heal even without hospitalization and drainage.