Successful treatment of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in an elderly lady with percutaneous drainage

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGP) is a severe form of pyelonephritis characterized by destructive changes to renal parenchyma due to chronic inflammation by bacterial infection. In general a significant number of patients undergo a nephrectomy as these lesions mimic renal tumors. If the diagnosis of XGP is suspected, a partial nephrectomy may be attempted. When the infection is extensive, a nephrectomy together with debridement of surrounding tissue may be needed. Less commonly, the condition can be treated with intravenous antibiotic alone or percutaneous drainage. Here, we report an elderly lady who presented with painful right lumbar mass. Magnetic Resonance Urography revealed a large renal collection with mixed density. The lady recovered following percutaneous drainage.