Non-iatrogenic nephro-pleural fistula in a child

Background: A fistula between kidney and pleura is a rare entity, particularly in children. Fistulation is mostly iatrogenic, following percutaneous nephrolithotomy and has a reported incidence of <1%. In the absence of recent renal surgery the diagnosis may be hampered by a lack of suspicion. Ho...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rianne J.M. Lammers, Stijn Roemeling, Martijn V. Verhagen, Josine S.L.T. Quaedackers
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2021-10-01
Series:Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213576621002414
Description
Summary:Background: A fistula between kidney and pleura is a rare entity, particularly in children. Fistulation is mostly iatrogenic, following percutaneous nephrolithotomy and has a reported incidence of <1%. In the absence of recent renal surgery the diagnosis may be hampered by a lack of suspicion. However, in Case of pyelonephritis with ipsilateral pulmonary symptoms fistulation between kidney and pleura should be considered.We present a pediatric case of a nephro-pleural fistula due to chronic pyelonephritis, as well as a review of the literature. We highlight that the etiology of the fistula may impact the effectivity of the treatment. Conclusions: Surgery-related fistulas mostly heal spontaneously with optimal drainage of urine combined with antibiotic treatment. In contrast, pyelonephritis-related fistulas (most common xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis) frequently require additional debridement by (partial) nephrectomy.
ISSN:2213-5766