Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis--an unusual renal disease in childhood

We report on a 6-year-old boy with Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. This unusual type of renal inflammation has a typical clinical picture that is important to bear in mind. The affected child is often seriously ill with a palpable flank mass leading to initial suspicion of malignancy. Modern imaging procedures help in obtaining a pre-operative diagnosis.