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Perinephric abscesses in the neurologically impaired
1Section of Urology, Veterans Affairs-Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
Spinal Cord
|September 26, 2001
Summary
Neurologically impaired patients with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis are at high risk for large perinephric abscesses. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe renal infections.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Perinephric abscesses are serious kidney infections.
- Neurologically impaired individuals often have risk factors like neurogenic bladders and recurrent UTIs.
Observation:
- A retrospective chart review identified four cases of large perinephric abscesses in neurologically impaired patients.
- Patients presented with severe neurological deficits, neurogenic bladders, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Findings:
- Diagnosis involved a combination of physical examination, computed tomography (CT), and identification of upper tract obstruction.
- Management included immediate abscess drainage and, in three cases, subsequent nephrectomy.
- No mortality was associated with the perinephric abscesses in this cohort.
Implications:
- Despite advances in medical care, neurologically impaired patients remain at significant risk for perinephric abscesses.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe, morbid renal infections in this vulnerable population.
- Prompt recognition and intervention are essential for favorable outcomes.