Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: report of four cases

We report 4 patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (diagnosed and treated between 1992 and 1996), aged 16 to 55 years (mean age 37 years). All had urolithiasis, pyonephrosis and nonfunctioning kidneys prior to surgical intervention, and underwent total nephrectomy. Clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings are discussed in the light of the cases reported in the literature.

Congenital cholesteatoma with spontaneous epidural abscess, sinus thrombosis and cutaneous fistula

A congenital cholesteatoma or epidermoid is a benign mass that causes devastating effects if left untreated. An unusual case with a congenital cholesteatoma located in the mastoid region complicated by epidural abscess, sinus thrombosis, and cutaneous fistula is presented. The patient had normal otologic findings and had no neurologic deficit. A review of the literature found no report of a similar case.

Unusual malformations in occult spinal dysraphism

Two cases of occult spinal dysraphism with different clinical symptoms, signs and congenital pathologies are presented. One had malformations including scoliosis, dermoid tumor, hydromyelia, diastematomyelia, dermal sinus, low conus, vertebrae anomalies and dextrocardia. The occurrence of dextrocardia in association with occult spinal dysraphism was found to be extremely unusual. The second case is presented in relation to the rarity of teratoma with dermal sinus and tethered cord in the lumbar area. Myelography, computed tomography, (CT), Myelo CT and magnetic resonance were used in making a diagnosis.