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[Urologic obstructions due to fungal balls]
F Oliver Llinares1, J M Yáñez Angulo, J L Blanco Brunet
1Sección de Urología Pediátrica, Hospital de Cruces, Baracaldo, Vizcaya.
Abstract:
Fungal urologic infections are unusual in children. They are associated with chronic uropathies, citostatics and antibiotic treatments and depressed immunity which allow the pathologic growth of a saprofitie organism. This infection must present special forms when the mycotic development is realized in cavities and special advantageous conditions. Then it adopt the form of fungal bezoars, and it can mobilize itself and provoke obstructions in the urinary tract. We present two cases of urinary obstructions secondary to fugal bezoars. The obstruction was localized in the uretero-vesical junction. In both of them the infection was associated with long antibiotic treatment, and with severe immunodeficiency only in one. The diagnosis was possible by echography and direct determination of candida albicans in urine. We proved also temporary ureterovesical stenosis we found before a reflux. The treatment included intravenous and local anfotericine B with dissolution of the bezoar in three and four days respectively.
Insights
Fungal bezoars causing urinary obstructions are rare in children, often linked to antibiotic use and immunodeficiency. Prompt diagnosis via echography and urine tests, followed by antifungal treatment, effectively resolves these blockages.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal urologic infections are uncommon in children.
- They often occur in patients with chronic uropathies, undergoing cytotoxic (citostatics) or antibiotic therapies, or with compromised immunity.
- Fungal growth in urinary cavities can form bezoars, leading to urinary tract obstructions.
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