[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: clinical experience of 8 cases]

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon form of granulomatous inflammation characterized by destruction of the renal parenchyma and replacement by solid sheets of lipid-laden macrophages. The first report was made by Schlagenhaufer in 1916. Due to diagnostic difficulties, relatively few cases have been reported. However, within the past 20 years, XGP has been recognized with increasing frequency. At present, over 400 cases have been reported. Recently, the computed tomographic (CT) findings of XGP have been described in a few sporadic case reports (1-4). Our clinical experience consists of 8 cases of XGP. The sonographic and computed tomographic findings in our cases are presented along with the correlation with the pathological specimens. We stress the importance of sonography and CT in preoperative planning. Moreover, in our cases we could obtain typical findings on sonography and CT, which enabled us to make a correct preoperative diagnosis. In this report we describe some specific features.