Chronic Pyelonephritis Workup

  • Author: James W Lohr, MD; Chief Editor: Vecihi Batuman, MD, FACP, FASN   more...
 
Updated: Dec 6, 2011
 

Imaging Studies

Findings from an intravenous urogram help to establish the diagnosis of pyelonephritis, because they reveal caliceal dilatation and blunting with cortical scars. Ureteral dilatation and reduced renal size also may be evident.

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) findings may document the reflux of urine to the renal pelvis and ureteral dilatation in children with gross reflux.[12]

Radioisotopic scanning with technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid is more sensitive than intravenous pyelography for helping to detect renal scars. This is the preferred test for many pediatric nephrologists and radiologists, because it is sensitive and easy to perform.

Cystoscopy findings show evidence of previous reflux at the ureteral orifices, even if voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) images show no reflux because of the spontaneous cessation of reflux due to puberty.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is the procedure of choice to help diagnose XPN.[10] Renal ultrasonographic images may show calculi, but ultrasonography is not a sensitive screening procedure for reflux nephropathy. However, many cases of VUR are suggested based on prenatal ultrasonographic findings.

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Approach Considerations

The characteristic renal scars of VUR are often present at the time of the initial diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis. New renal scars may develop in 3-5% of patients after the initial evaluation. The progression of renal scars is inversely related to the promptness with which specific antibiotic therapy is instituted. The presence of new scars often suggests the occurrence of breakthrough infections.

Urinalysis results may reveal pyuria. Obtain a urine culture, which often isolates gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Proteus species. A negative result from urine culture does not exclude a diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis. Proteinuria may be present and is a negative prognostic factor for this chronic pyelonephritis. Serum creatinine and blood urine nitrogen levels are elevated (azotemia).

Renal biopsy specimens show focal glomerulosclerosis in advanced reflux nephropathy, while XPN must be distinguished from renal malakoplakia based on the presence of inclusions called Michaelis-Gutmann bodies in the latter.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

James W Lohr, MD  Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Fellowship Program Director, University of Buffalo State University of New York School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

James W Lohr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, and Central Society for Clinical Research

Disclosure: Genzyme Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Coauthor(s)

Anupama Gowda, MBBS, MD  Consulting Staff, Atlanta Nephrology Associates, PC

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chike Magnus Nzerue, MD  Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Vice-Chairman of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College

Chike Magnus Nzerue, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Society of Nephrology, and National Kidney Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Vecihi Batuman, MD, FACP, FASN  Professor of Medicine, Section of Nephrology-Hypertension, Tulane University School of Medicine; Chief, Medicine Service, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System

Vecihi Batuman, MD, FACP, FASN is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, and International Society of Nephrology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Richard A Santucci, MD, FACS Specialist-in-Chief, Department of Urology, Detroit Medical Center; Chief of Urology, Detroit Receiving Hospital; Director, The Center for Urologic Reconstruction; Clinical Professor of Urology, Michigan State University College of Medicine

Richard A Santucci, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Urological Association, and Société Internationale d'Urologie (International Society of Urology)

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

References

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  4. Birmingham Reflux Study Group. Prospective trial of operative versus non-operative treatment of severe vesicoureteric reflux in children: five years' observation. Birmingham Reflux Study Group. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). Jul 25 1987;295(6592):237-41. [Medline].

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  8. Gonzalez Resina R, Barrero Candau R, Arguelles Salido E, et al. [Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in childhood. A case report]. Actas Urol Esp. Jun 2005;29(6):596-8. [Medline].

  9. Oosterhof GO, Delaere KP. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. A review with 2 case reports. Urol Int. 1986;41(3):180-6. [Medline].

  10. Saavedra Jo S, Pow-Sang Godoy M, Benavente Corrales V, et al. [Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: clinical, radiological and pathologic characteristics]. Arch Esp Urol. Jul-Aug 2004;57(6):595-600. [Medline].

  11. Zugor V, Amann K, Schrott KM, et al. [Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: presentation of an unusual case]. Aktuelle Urol. Jun 2005;36(3):245-8. [Medline].

  12. Hiraoka M, Hori C, Tsukahara H, et al. Vesicoureteral reflux in male and female neonates as detected by voiding ultrasonography. Kidney Int. Apr 1999;55(4):1486-90. [Medline].

  13. Dracon M, Lemaitre L. [Urinary tract infection in adult. Leukocyturia]. Rev Prat. May 15 2003;53(10):1137-42. [Medline].

  14. Noe HN. The long-term results of prospective sibling reflux screening. J Urol. Nov 1992;148(5 Pt 2):1739-42. [Medline].

 
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