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Published on: November 3, 2023
Renal Malacoplakia Following Obstetric Intervention: A Rare Cause of Acute Kidney Injury in a Young Woman
Letícia Miyuki Ito1, Juliana Miki Oguma1, André Kiyoshi Miyahara1
1Paulista School of Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Introduction: Renal malacoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease, often associated with immunosuppression and persistent Gram-negative infections, particularly Escherichia coli. Case Presentation: We present a case involving a 31-year-old woman with hypertension, gestational diabetes, and prior uterine curettage after labor induction for preeclampsia at 23 weeks. She developed urinary sepsis post-procedure. Imaging revealed bilateral nephromegaly, while laboratory tests showed acute kidney injury (KDIGO stage III), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Blood and urine cultures grew Escherichia coli. Renal biopsy confirmed malacoplakia, demonstrating PAS-positive Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and Von Hansemann cells. The patient responded to prolonged antibiotic therapy and supportive care. Discussion and Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering renal malacoplakia in patients with atypical urinary tract infections and nephromegaly, particularly in obstetric settings. Histopathological confirmation is essential, and timely treatment with intracellularly active antibiotics can lead to favorable outcomes. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent irreversible renal damage.
Insights
Renal malacoplakia, a rare kidney disease, was diagnosed in a patient with sepsis and acute kidney injury. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to recovery, preventing further renal damage.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Renal malacoplakia is a rare granulomatous disease linked to immunosuppression and Gram-negative infections.
- Escherichia coli is a common pathogen associated with this condition.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman presented with urinary sepsis, acute kidney injury (KDIGO stage III), anemia, and thrombocytopenia post-procedure.
- Imaging showed bilateral nephromegaly; blood and urine cultures identified Escherichia coli.
Findings:
- Renal biopsy confirmed malacoplakia, characterized by PAS-positive Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and Von Hansemann cells.
- The patient demonstrated a positive response to extended antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need to consider renal malacoplakia in atypical UTIs and nephromegaly, especially in obstetric patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment with intracellularly active antibiotics are crucial for preventing irreversible kidney damage.
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