XANTHOGRANULOMATOUS PYELONEPHRITIS - REVI EW WITH CASE-REPORTS AND NEW THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is still a rarely described d isease. Preoperatively the diagnosis of XGP is obtained only in a few cases due to its difficult differential diagnosis from renal cell carc inoma. Besides an extensive review of the literature, the present stud y illustrates the current diagnostic techniques applicable in the eval uation of XGP. The diagnostic value of immunszintigraphy as a possible additional technique is described and critically evaluated on the bas is of our early clinical experience. Furthermore a stage oriented ther apeutical concept for the treatment of XGP is proposed which is primar ily based on an antibiotic therapy. Surgical treatment depends on the results of strict and frequent control evaluations. In principle, unde r conservative therapy a complete remission of XGP is possible. This i s described in the literature and occurred in our own observations.