American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 134, Issue 5, 1035-1039
Copyright © 1980 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Sonographic features of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
OC Van Kirk,
RT Go,
and
VJ Wedel
The ultrasonic findings of three patients with surgically confirmed xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis are presented. All of the involved kidneys were markedly enlarged, had a large central echogenic area, and demonstrated an increased parenchymal anechoic pattern. The appearance correlated well with the other radiographic and gross pathologic findings. While this appearance was fairly distinctive, it is anticipated that there will be some difficulty in distinguishing this entity from simple hydronephorsis, especially in conjunction with staghorn calculus. It is also anticipated that focal xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis will have an atypical appearance.