Pseudo-tumor renal tuberculosis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Renal lesion is a very frequent location of tuberculosis disease, the diagnosis of which is often difficult and delayed due to its atypical clinical presentations, especially in its pseudo-tumoral form. Case presentation: Patient of 54 year old was referred after a kidney mass was found on an abdominal ultrasound. In addition, the patient reported the notion of minimal intermittent low back pain with weight loss. On computed tomography, it was a nodular lesion of the superior pole of the right kidney, and it has a heterogeneous density and a suspicious appearance. A total nephrectomy was performed by subcostal incision. Pathological examination of the specimen revealed the presence of diffuse gigantocellular granulomas with caseous necrosis suggestive of renal tuberculosis. Conclusion: Despite the rarity of this form, renal tuberculosis should always be thought in order to avoid radical treatment.