An unusual case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in an immunosuppressed patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is invariably associated with urinary tract obstruction, infection and nephrolithiasis. We report an unusual case of XGP occurring in an immunosuppressed patient in the absence of either urinary obstruction or nephrolithiasis, presenting as a diagnostic dilemma, and highlighting the possible role of glucocorticoid immunosuppression towards its pathogenesis.