Bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with renal failure caused by malacoplakia

Malacoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that most commonly involves the genitourinary tract with a wide spectrum of clinical presentation.

A 65-year-old woman presented with obstructive nephropathy with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis. Bilateral nephrostomy-tube placement saw an improvement in her renal function. A computerized tomography (CT) scan with contrast showed suspect lesions in the bladder, which were confirmed by cystoscopy. A transurethral resection of the suspect areas of bladder on histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of malacoplakia. Bilateral ureteral recanalization was performed with placement of ureteral stents, after balloon dilation of strictures. The treatment was continued with ascorbic acid 500 mg daily and ciprofloxacin 500 mg once daily.

Malacoplakia is a rare disease. Treatment is not standard and depends on the disease location. Malacoplakia that is isolated to the lower genitourinary tract, after a transurethral resection indicating to obtain a biopsy and debulking, can typically be treated with medication, whereas upper tract disease commonly requires a combination of medical and surgical intervention.