A case of Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with spontaneous renocolic fistula

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is a rare clinicopathological syndrome that is unique among the various inflammatory conditions of the kidney, and it closely mimics renal cell carcinoma, both clinically and radiologically. Approximately one third of XGPN cases have associated complications, such as abscess and fistulas, although the latter is much less common. Spontaneous renocolic fistulas of non-tubercular origin are also rare, especially in Asia. Fistula or deep sinus formation as a complication of XGPN is a rare clinical condition. Currently, only approximately 10 such cases (including our case) have been reported in the literature. We present one such case of spontaneous nephrocolic fistula complicating XGPN. Ultrasonography, an intravenous urogram, retrograde pyelogram, and computerized tomography aided in diagnosing the presence of a renocolic fistula. The treatment regimen of total nephrectomy with primary closure of the rent in the colon was adequate.