[Acute renal failure and fungus ball: A case report]

Sabra Aloui1, Mohamed Gorcii, Hbib Skhiri

  • 1Service de néphrologie, CHU de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisie. alouisabra@yahoo.fr

Nephrologie & Therapeutique
|April 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Fungus balls are rarely linked to acute renal failure (ARF). This case shows successful treatment of Candida tropicalis in a diabetic patient, reversing kidney injury.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungus balls are uncommon causes of acute renal failure (ARF).
  • Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for fungal infections.
  • Renal infections require prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old diabetic patient presented with a right kidney infection.
  • Initial urinalysis revealed leucocyturia but negative urine culture.
  • Renal ultrasonography showed pelvicaliceal dilation.

Findings:

  • Nephroscopy identified fungal material in the ureter.
  • Culture confirmed the presence of Candida tropicalis.
  • Endoscopic and antifungal therapy led to improved renal function.

Implications:

  • This case highlights Candida tropicalis as a potential cause of ARF.
  • Successful management involves early diagnosis and combined therapeutic approaches.
  • Prompt intervention can reverse renal dysfunction in fungal kidney infections.

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