[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Retrospective study]

The incidence of PGX in our setting is low (0.67%). Middle-aged women comprise most of our cases. This disease process is usually unilateral; 53.2% of the present series had right-sided renal involvement. Over the past 17 years, 135 cases of histopathologically-documented XGP have been recorded at our hospital. Sixty-three cases were studied retrospectively. Patient history, symptoms and signs, and data gleaned from physical examination are presented. Similarly, patient outstanding pathogenetic features are described. Preoperative diagnosis of XGP is difficult. The availability of high resolution imaging techniques has enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Urinary cytology permits preoperative diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 80%. The postoperative prognosis is excellent.