[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Apropos of 11 cases]

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare manifestation of chronic pyelonephritis. 11 cases were treated between 1988 and 1993. Patients age ranged from 17 to 60 years (mean 34 j). A pseudotumoral form was documented in 3 patients and pyonephrosis was found in 8 cases. Urine culture was usually positive for a non specific germ. Imaging technics could differentiate pseudotumoral disease from diffuse disease. Treatment consisted in a nephrectomy.