renal abscess

Introduction

see retroperitoneal abscess

Clinical manifestations

• presentation similar to acute pyelonephritis
• suspect is presumed pyelonephritis does not improve with 3 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy

Complications

• high mortality if drainage of large renal abscess is delayed

Differential diagnosis

• emphysematous pyelonephritis
• perinephric abscess

Management

• appropriate antibiotics
  • antibiotics alone generally sufficient for renal abscesses < 3 cm
• radiologic percutaneous drainage in selected cases
• surgical drainage or nephrectomy in more complicated cases

More general terms

• kidney disease; renal disease
• retroperitoneal abscess