Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is rare type of chronic inflammation that occurs in the kidneys. It is commonly associated with proteus or E.Coli type infections. It results in the destruction of the renal parenchyma (functional tissue) by forming granulomatous tissue. This tissue is made of abscess formation and dead cells which causes severe kidney destruction.A common finding with XGP is Staghorn calculus. This is a renal calcification, like a kidney stone, that gets its name from the shape it forms in the area of the renal pelvis. It happens with recurrent urinary tract infections and causes blockages of the kidney.Anyone can get xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis but typically affects middle age to elderly people. Women are twice as likely to be affected due to increased frequency of urinary tract infections. There is also an increased number of cases found in people with diabetes.