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Renal aspergillosis: a report of two cases
Abstract:
Two cases of opportunistic aspergillosis of the kidney are presented. One patient, a child with unsuspected chronic granulomatous disease of childhood, presented with a renal mass which proved to be an abscess secondary to aspergillosis. The other patient, a terminal leukemic, had a renal vein thrombosis secondary to invasion of the renal vein by aspergillosis. Aspergillosis and other fungal diseases of the kidney should be considered in debilitated patients with an abnormal urogram.
Insights
Opportunistic kidney aspergillosis can manifest as renal masses or vein thrombosis in immunocompromised individuals. Early consideration in debilitated patients with abnormal urograms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections, particularly aspergillosis, pose significant risks to immunocompromised populations.
- Kidney involvement by Aspergillus species is rare but can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- Two distinct cases of renal aspergillosis are presented in debilitated patients.
- Case 1: A child with undiagnosed chronic granulomatous disease presented with a renal mass due to an aspergillosis abscess.
- Case 2: A patient with terminal leukemia developed renal vein thrombosis secondary to invasive aspergillosis.
Findings:
- Aspergillosis can present as a renal abscess, mimicking other space-occupying lesions.
- Invasive aspergillosis can lead to vascular complications such as renal vein thrombosis.
- Abnormal urography in debilitated patients warrants consideration of fungal kidney infections.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering opportunistic fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of renal abnormalities in immunocompromised patients.
- Underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and management of renal aspergillosis to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Suggests that chronic granulomatous disease and leukemia are risk factors for invasive renal aspergillosis.