Perinephric abscess: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
A perinephric abscess is a suppuration (i.e. abscess) of the perinephric fat that abuts the renal cortex. Perinephric abscesses can arise as a complication either a pre-existing [[pyelonephritis]] or from hematogenous seeding from [[bacteremia]] of any kind. A 10-year retrospective study in 2016 identifying the causative agent of perinephric abscesses found that about 51.4% of perinephric abscesses were caused by [[E. coli]], and that about 10% were caused by [[S. aureus]], thus suggesting that the majority of perinephric abscesses arise as a complication of [[pyelonephritis]] [1]. Perinephric abscesses are a distinct entity from renal abscesses in that renal abscesses arise from necrosis of the renal parenchyma and typically arise from pyelonephritis (although hematogenous seeding does occur), whereas perinephric abscess involves a diffuse liquefactive necrosis of the perinephric fat between the renal cortex and Gerota's fascia. Perinephric abscesses have a higher theoretical risk of morbidity because of the fact that the infection can easily spread to the lubosacral area posterioriy and abdominal cavity anteriorly. For this and other reasons, perinephric abscesses of ANY size should prompt a discussion with urology and/or interventional radiology about the possibility of drainage, in addition to parenteral antibiotics. On the other hand, drainage of nephric abscesses is typically only indicated if the size of the abscess exceeds 5 cm.
A perinephric abscess is a suppuration (i.e. abscess) of the perinephric fat that abuts the renal cortex. Perinephric abscesses can arise as a complication either a pre-existing [[pyelonephritis]] or from hematogenous seeding from [[bacteremia]] of any kind. A 10-year retrospective study in 2016 identifying the causative agent of perinephric abscesses found that about 51.4% of perinephric abscesses were caused by [[E. coli]], and that about 10% were caused by [[S. aureus]], thus suggesting that the majority of perinephric abscesses arise as a complication of [[pyelonephritis]] <ref>Liu XQ, et al. Renal and perinephric abscesses in West China Hospital: 10-year retrospective-descriptive study. World Journal of Nephrology. 2016 Jan;5(1):108-14.</ref>]. Perinephric abscesses are a distinct entity from renal abscesses in that renal abscesses arise from necrosis of the renal parenchyma and typically arise from pyelonephritis (although hematogenous seeding does occur), whereas perinephric abscess involves a diffuse liquefactive necrosis of the perinephric fat between the renal cortex and Gerota's fascia. Perinephric abscesses have a higher theoretical risk of morbidity because of the fact that the infection can easily spread to the lubosacral area posterioriy and abdominal cavity anteriorly. For this and other reasons, perinephric abscesses of ANY size should prompt a discussion with urology and/or interventional radiology about the possibility of drainage, in addition to parenteral antibiotics. On the other hand, drainage of nephric abscesses is typically only indicated if the size of the abscess exceeds 5 cm.


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
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==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
1. Liu XQ, et al. Renal and perinephric abscesses in West China Hospital: 10-year retrospective-descriptive study. World Journal of Nephrology. 2016 Jan;5(1):108-14.
[[Category:Renal]]
[[Category:Renal]]
[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:Urology]]

Revision as of 22:24, 28 August 2016

Background

A perinephric abscess is a suppuration (i.e. abscess) of the perinephric fat that abuts the renal cortex. Perinephric abscesses can arise as a complication either a pre-existing pyelonephritis or from hematogenous seeding from bacteremia of any kind. A 10-year retrospective study in 2016 identifying the causative agent of perinephric abscesses found that about 51.4% of perinephric abscesses were caused by E. coli, and that about 10% were caused by S. aureus, thus suggesting that the majority of perinephric abscesses arise as a complication of pyelonephritis [1]]. Perinephric abscesses are a distinct entity from renal abscesses in that renal abscesses arise from necrosis of the renal parenchyma and typically arise from pyelonephritis (although hematogenous seeding does occur), whereas perinephric abscess involves a diffuse liquefactive necrosis of the perinephric fat between the renal cortex and Gerota's fascia. Perinephric abscesses have a higher theoretical risk of morbidity because of the fact that the infection can easily spread to the lubosacral area posterioriy and abdominal cavity anteriorly. For this and other reasons, perinephric abscesses of ANY size should prompt a discussion with urology and/or interventional radiology about the possibility of drainage, in addition to parenteral antibiotics. On the other hand, drainage of nephric abscesses is typically only indicated if the size of the abscess exceeds 5 cm.

Clinical Features

  • Sign/symptoms similar to pyelo (fever, CVAT, dysuria)
  • Occurs in setting of ascending infection with obstructed pyelo

Differential Diagnosis

Dysuria

Workup

  • Laboratory Testing
    • CBC - Although it is a non-specific finding, a leukocytosis is typically seen.
    • Chemistry Panel - Lactic acidosis is a common finding and is seen earlier in the disease course in diabetic patients. Renal insufficiency is also commonly seen as well.
    • Inflammatory markers - ESR and CRP are almost always elevated.
    • Urinalysis - Will often show evidence of pyelonephritis, however if the perinephric abscess is secondary to hematogenous spread, the urine could be sterile. Therefore a negative U/A does NOT rule out a perinephric abscess.
  • Imaging
    • X-ray - Will sometimes show abnormalities that might suggest a perinephric abscess is present, however one or all of these findings may not be present, therefore it is suggested to use more invasive imaging to rule out a perinephric abscess if clinical suspicion is high. Abdominal X-ray findings that can suggest a perinephric asbcess include:
      • Displaced or rotated kidney
      • Scoliosis - Deviation of the spine will occur in the direction of the lesion
      • Loss of the psoas margin, however the false positivity rate is about 10%
      • An abdominal mass or displaced bowel gas
      • Thoracic pathology - ipsilateral consolidative process, atelectasis, or pleural effusion
      • Ultrasound - A fluid filled mass extending from the renal cortex into the perinephric fat can be seen.
      • CT - Is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of suspected perinephric abscess. Sensitivity of detecting a perinephric abscess is about 90%. CT can give an accurate measurement of the abscess and can also show involvement, if any, of any surrounding structures (liver, ipsilateral psoas muscle, vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, etc.)
      • MRI - Has limited utility in the Emgergency Room setting given the time it takes for the study to be completed and read. However, advantages over CT include better delineation of soft tissue structures (listed above), absence of radiation exposure, and better contrast sensitivity.

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Liu XQ, et al. Renal and perinephric abscesses in West China Hospital: 10-year retrospective-descriptive study. World Journal of Nephrology. 2016 Jan;5(1):108-14.