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Kidney abscess

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Synonyms and keywords: Acute focal bacterial nephritis; acute multifocal bacterial nephritis; emphysematous pyelonephritis; focal pyelonephritis; intrarenal abscess; lobar nephronia; renal corticomedullary abscess; renal abscess

Overview

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Overview

A kidney abscess is in intrarenal infection. Kidney abscesses are rare.

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Pathophysiology

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Pathophysiology

Most perirenal abscesses are caused by urinary tract infections that start in the bladder, spread to the kidney, and then spread to the area around the kidney. Other causes of perirenal abscess include surgery in the urinary tract or reproductive system and bloodstream infection.

The primary pathogens involved in a kidney abscess include the following:

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Causes

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Differentiating Kidney abscess from other Diseases

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Epidemiology and Demographics

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Risk Factors

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for perirenal abscess is kidney stones that block the flow of urine and provide a place for an infection to grow. Bacteria tend to stick to the stones and antibiotics can’t kill the bacteria there.

Stones are found in 20 – 60% of patients with perirenal abscess. Other risk factors for perirenal abscess include:

  • Diabetes
  • Having an abnormal urinary tract
  • Trauma

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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

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Prognosis

In general, quick diagnosis and treatment of perirenal abscess should lead to a good outcome. Kidney stones must be treated to avoid further infections. In rare cases, the infection can spread beyond the kidney area and into the bloodstream, which can be deadly.

If one has kidney stones, the infection may not go away.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1


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