[Atrophic kidney-like lesion: a clinicopathological study of three cases]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Atrophic kidney-like lesion (AKLL) is a rare renal entity.
• It can be challenging to distinguish from renal neoplasms based on gross and histological examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotypes, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnosis of AKLL.
• To provide insights for accurate diagnosis and management of this rare renal disease.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical features of three AKLL cases.
• Review of relevant literature.
• Targeted next-generation sequencing on one case.

Main Results:

• AKLL presents as a unilateral renal mass with variable gross appearance.
• Histologically, it shows atrophic tubules and cystic structures with specific cellular linings.
• Immunohistochemistry revealed distinct markers: WT1 positive, PAX8 negative, CK7 negative in cyst lining cells, and WT1 negative, PAX8 positive, CK7 positive in atrophic tubules.

Conclusions:

• AKLL is a rare, benign renal disease that requires careful evaluation.
• Distinct morphological and immunophenotypical features are crucial for differentiating AKLL from renal neoplasms.
• Partial nephrectomy is an effective treatment, with no observed recurrence in the study cohort.