Perirenal Abscess

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Abscess near Kidney
• Perinephric Abscess

What is Perirenal Abscess? (Definition/Background Information)

• Perirenal Abscess is an infection that is characterized by the accumulation of pus around one or both the kidneys. The term ‘perirenal’ indicates the space surrounding the kidneys
• Most Perirenal Abscesses occur secondary to urinary tract infections. Infection starts in the urinary bladder, spread to the kidneys, and then to the area around the kidneys
• The presence of kidney stones and uncontrolled diabetes are some of the key risk factors for Perirenal Abscess, which is caused mostly by a bacterial infection
• The signs and symptoms associated with Perirenal Abscess include fever with chills and abdominal and groin pain. The infection may be diagnosed through culture tests and imaging scans of the abdomen
• Perirenal Abscess may be treated by antibiotics and surgical drainage of pus. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent kidney damage. In most cases, an immediate diagnosis and treatment will produce good results

Who gets Perirenal Abscess? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Perirenal Abscess can affect individuals of any age group with no gender predilection (i.e., both males and females are affected equally).

What are the Risk Factors for Perirenal Abscess? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Perirenal Abscess are:

• Kidney stones
• Urinary tract infection affecting the urinary bladder and kidneys
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Congenital malformation of the urinary tract
• Trauma
• Bloodstream infection
• Surgery in the urinary tract

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Perirenal Abscess? (Etiology)

• Perirenal Abscess is an infectious formation that may be caused by microorganisms such as:
• Escherichia coli, Proteus species, and Staphylococcus aureus are the typical organisms that cause the condition
• Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Citrobacter species, can also cause Perirenal Abscess
• In very rare cases, the infection may be caused by enterococci infection
• Culture negative abscesses can be caused by anaerobes such as Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Actinomyces
• Fungi, such as Candida species and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can also be responsible for the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Perirenal Abscess?

The common signs and symptoms caused by Perirenal Abscess are:

• Fever and chills
• Abdominal pain and tenderness
• Pain in the groin, legs
• Sweating
• Fatigue

How is Perirenal Abscess Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Perirenal Abscess may include:

• A thorough physical exam along with evaluation of the medical history
• Other diagnostic tests may include:
  • Blood and urine culture
  • Urinalysis
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Perirenal Abscess?

Complications associated with Perirenal Abscess could include:

• Damage to the kidneys with permanent loss of kidney function
• Septicemia: Infection of the bloodstream

How is Perirenal Abscess Treated?

The treatment of Perirenal Abscess may involve:

• Antibiotics, which are administered intravenously
• The accumulated pus can be removed either using a catheter or through surgery (Perirenal Abscess surgery)

How can Perirenal Abscess be Prevented?

Preventive measures for Perirenal Abscess include:

• Individuals with kidney stones should take adequate measures to avoid complications such as Perirenal Abscess formation
• In order to avoid post-surgical infection after an invasive process for pus removal, the surgical wound/area should be kept as clean as possible

What is the Prognosis of Perirenal Abscess? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In most cases, an immediate diagnosis and suitable treatment of Perirenal Abscess will result in good prognosis
• Any case of kidney stones must be treated promptly, because it is the biggest risk factor that may lead to Perirenal Abscess
• If immediate treatment is not administered, the infection may spread to the bloodstream from the kidney and prove to be fatal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Perirenal Abscess:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/infection-center/