Multimodality imaging of renal inflammatory lesions

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Renal infections present acutely (pyelonephritis, abscesses) or chronically (xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis).
• Immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with diabetes, malignancy, or leukemia, are susceptible to invasive fungal infections (Aspergillus, Candida, Mucor).
• Tuberculosis and parasitic kidney infections are prevalent in tropical regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse imaging spectrum of renal inflammatory lesions.
• To highlight the specific indications for imaging in renal infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging modalities used for renal infections.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentations and patient populations.

Main Results:

• Imaging is not routinely needed for uncomplicated renal infections.
• Key indications for imaging include immunocompromised status, treatment failure, diagnostic uncertainty, congenital anomalies, transplant evaluation, and disease extent assessment.
• The article details imaging findings for various acute and chronic renal infections.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing complex renal infections.
• Understanding the imaging spectrum aids in identifying specific pathogens and disease severity.