Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Inflammatory pseudotumors, also known as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, are uncommon benign tumors of unknown etiology which may develop at several anatomical sites. In the urogenital tract, inflammatory pseudotumor usually affects the urinary bladder or the prostate. Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney is very rare. It is considered as a reactive inflammatory lesion that features very good prognosis. Case presentation. We present the case of a 57-year-old Moroccan man who presented with a two-month history of gross hematuria and left lumbar pain. Imaging investigations revealed a left kidney mass and pathological examination of the nephrectomy specimen showed an inflammatory pseudotumor. Conclusion: As the preoperative definitive diagnosis of such a tumor is not possible, surgery is advised because only pathological examination of the nephrectomy specimen can establish the diagnosis with certainty. From one case report and literature review, the authors suggest a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for the management of this rare tumor. © 2011 Khallouk et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.