Renal abscess: recovery without hospitalization and drainage

Background: Renal abscesses in childhood are rare and require hospitalizati on, antibiotic therapy and drainage. Patients: Two cases of renal abscess i n childhood are described. In both cases there was no history of either ant ecedent skin infection or urinary tract infection or reflux. Flank pain and fever had a sudden onset. Results: The diagnosis was made in the first cas e by ultrasound and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance, in the second c ase ultrasound and computerized axial tomography were used. The patients we re successfully treated at home with antibiotic therapy but without drainag e. Conclusion: Renal abscesses must be suspected in children with loin pain , fever and leukocytosis. They may heal even without hospitalization and dr ainage.