Malakoplakia of the Urogenital Tract

Malakoplakia is a rare, granulomatous condition most commonly found in the genitourinary tract. It can present in a myriad of ways depending on the organ involved, thus presenting a huge diagnostic challenge. We present 4 patients with genitourinary malakoplakia, who manifested with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and hematuria in all except one, who presented with hydronephrosis secondary to a large pelvic mass. We discuss the need for a high index of suspicion and careful scrutiny of histology to order to avoid misdiagnosis as simple long term antibiotics are an effective treatment in all but those with large pelvic masses.