[A case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis followed by computed tomographic scan]

Since it is difficult to differentiate xanthoglanulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) from renal cancer, most cases of XGP are diagnosed after nephrectomy. We report a rare case of XGP followed by abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with high fever. Drip infusion pyelography showed a right renal stone but did not visualize the right kidney. A swollen right kidney was revealed on abdominal CT scan. Diabetes mellitus was detected by blood examinations and XGP was suspected. Conservative therapy with antibiotics was performed, the symptoms disappeared within 2 weeks and the right atrophic kidney was revealed on abdominal CT scan 12 months after onset. Histopathological findings on a renal biopsy specimen obtained 1.5 months after treatment were compatible with XGP. The diagnosis of XGP will become easier by using a combined approach including radiographic findings, physical finding and other data.