Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

29 Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis in the Absence of Positive Urine Cultures

Olivia Cooney; Mario Helou Corresponding author: ocooney@vt.vcom.edu

Johnston Memorial Hospital

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an aggressive form of pyelonephritis that involves replacement of the renal parenchyma with granulomatous tissue after cycles of infection from frequent UTI’s or ureteral obstruction. Diagnosis tends to be a challenge due to

its clinical and radiographic similarities to renal cell carcinoma. Here we present a 64-year-old woman with clinical symptoms of UTI with 2 negative urine cultures. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was identified on CT and a drain was placed. The case

concluded with a referral to nephrology to excise the affected kidney.

IRB Pending

121 2025 Research Recognition Day