Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis With Extension to the Liver: A Case Report

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon condition representing 1% of all renal infections. XGP due to complicated pyelonephritis associated with hepatic abscess is an extremely rare complication and has rarely been reported in the literature. We report a rare case of a 54-year-old female with a history of diabetes and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) who presented with acute right flank pain and fever which had been ongoing for four days. CT scan showed multiple bilateral obstructive nephrolithiasis associated with a liver abscess. Given the patient's high risk of nephron loss, a bilateral renal and liver abscess drainage followed by a two-stage flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) was performed. One week later, a CT scan showed a typical radiological aspect of XGP on the right kidney invading the liver. She urgently underwent a right nephrectomy with an uneventful outcome. In conclusion, the diagnosis of XGP should be considered in the presence of complicated pyelonephritis associated with hepatic abscess.