title: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a retrospective review of 16 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an uncommon disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by extensive destruction of the involved kidney. It is being increasingly recognized as an important cause of renal morbidity around the world.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study was undertaken to review the xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis cases presented at our tertiary care referral center in Bangalore, India.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 16 biopsy-proven cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis from October 2007 to March 2010 treated at our institute were included in the study. There were 10 females and 6 males with a mean age of 51.5 years. Flank pain was the most common presenting symptom followed by fever. All patients had unilateral disease and underwent total nephrectomy of the affected nonfunctional kidney.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a chronic and unusual infectious inflammatory condition involving the renal parenchyma. The definite treatment is nephrectomy. Early identification and prompt treatment of this relatively benign and uncommon condition is important to minimize morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nephrourology, Victoria Hospital Campus, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Sujatha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siddappa
authors.forename: Kowsalya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ramprasad
authors.forename: Mythri Kuthagale
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Muddegowda