Pseudo-tumor renal tuberculosis: a case report

Abstract

Background Renal lesion is a very frequent location of tuberculosis disease, the diagnosis of which is often difficult and delayed due to its atypical clinical presentations, especially in its pseudo-tumoral form. Case presentation Patient of 54 year old was referred after a kidney mass was found on an abdominal ultrasound. In addition, the patient reported the notion of minimal intermittent low back pain with weight loss. On computed tomography, it was a nodular lesion of the superior pole of the right kidney, and it has a heterogeneous density and a suspicious appearance. A total nephrectomy was performed by subcostal incision. Pathological examination of the specimen revealed the presence of diffuse gigantocellular granulomas with caseous necrosis suggestive of renal tuberculosis. Conclusion Despite the rarity of this form, renal tuberculosis should always be thought in order to avoid radical treatment.