Renal Actinomycosis, a Rare Diagnosis Which Can Clinically Mimic a Malignancy, Case Report and Review of the Literature Publisher



Niknejad N¹ ; Moradi B² ; Niknezhad N³ ; Safaei M¹ ; Nili F¹
Source: Archives of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Published:2018

Abstract

Introduction: Actinomycosis is an unusual infection, which usually appears in the thoracic, cervicofacial, and abdominal areas. Renal actinomycosis is rare and has not yet been reported in children. Case Presentation: An8-year-oldboy presented with a fever, weight loss, andflankpaintwoweeks after a sore throat. As the imaging studies were in favor of the malignanttumorof the right kidney, heunderwentright radical nephrectomy. Pathologic study revealed Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and actinomyces bacterial colonies. Conclusion: Renal actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific clinical findings and near similarity to other inflammatory and tumoral conditions. Early diagnosis is important for medical treatment and decrease of un-necessary surgery. Using auxiliary diagnostic methods can be helpful in this aspect. Percutaneous core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration possesses higher accuracy and specificity in comparison with other methods. © 2018, Author(s).