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Pyelonephritis with renal abscess

Case contributed by Michael P Hartung
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Flank pain, low grade fever.

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Female

Few ill-defined wedge-shaped areas of cortical hypoenhancement in the right kidney with minimal perinephric stranding. No right hydronephrosis.

Left renal enlargement with more extensive areas of cortical hypoenhancement and several coalescing cortical and subcapsular fluid collections. Perinephric stranding and inflammation. Mild thickening/enhancement of the left ureter without hydronephrosis.

Case Discussion

This is a diabetic female with history of E. coli pyelonephritis, completing intravenous antibiotics 2 weeks prior to this CT. She presented with flank pain and low-grade fever.

CT demonstrates several areas of cortical hypoattenuation consistent with bilateral pyelonephritis, with coalescing subcapsular and parenchymal fluid collections of the left kidney, consistent with abscesses. The lack of well-defined thick, enhancing wall typical of renal abscesses may be due to the recent treatment with antibiotics, suggesting an evolving (either developing or subacute/resolving) component. The patient was managed conservatively with continued antibiotics and did not go undergo a drainage procedure.

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