Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis due to Aspergillus in a non-diabetic older patient

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare condition characterised by destructive granulomatous inflammation of renal parenchyma. Primary renal Aspergillosis has been reported in patients with immunocompromised states such as diabetes, retroviral disease, organ transplant recipients, etc. We present a unique case of an older adult in his early 60s, presenting with fever and left flank pain with renal angle tenderness, diagnosed with primary renal aspergillosis with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. These symptoms resolved with a long duration of antifungal (itraconazole) therapy and nephrectomy. The unique features are the development of fungal pyelonephritis in the absence of any immunocompromising conditions and the development of xanthogranulomatous changes with no risk factors.