The following information may help to address your question:
What is megalocytic interstitial nephritis?
Megalocytic interstitial nephritis is a rare chronic
kidney disease that is characterized by inflammation of the kidney. The inflammation is mainly found in an area of the kidney called the
renal cortex, which is in the outer portion of the kidney. The exact cause of megalocytic interstitial nephritis is not clear; however, it is associated with an impaired function of
histiocytes (immune
cell that eats foreign substances to protect the body from infection), particularly in patients that have a lowered
immune system. Alcohol abuse may also be a
risk factor.
[1] Generalized symptoms of kidney inflammation (
interstitial nephritis) may include: blood in the urine, fever, increased or decreased urine output, mental status changes, rash, and swelling of the body. Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause (if identified) and the stage of the disease.
[2]
Last updated: 8/17/2016
What is malakoplakia?
Malakoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disease. It most commonly involves the
urogenital system (reproductive
organs and urinary system), but may also be found in other regions of the body, including the pelvis, bones, lungs,
thyroid gland, gastrointestinal (digestive) tract, skin, and kidneys. Symptoms of malakoplakia differ depending on the involved area. For example, when the skin is affected the malakoplakia may appear rash-like with small areas of itchy, reddened skin that may be painful and/or fluid filled.
[3][4]
The cause of malakoplakia is not well understood. It is thought to be related to an issue with the function of one's macrophages, which are one type of cell within the
immune system that respond to foreign invaders (
bacteria).
E.coli is the most common type of bacteria that leads to malakoplakia. Individuals with a compromised immune system have an elevated risk to develop malakoplakia. Treatment typically begins with
antibiotics.
[3][4]
Last updated: 8/17/2016
What are the signs and symptoms of malakoplakia of the kidney?
Symptoms of malakoplakia of the kidney are similar to symptoms present during a kidney infection including fever, back side (flank) or groin pain, abdominal pain, frequent urination, pus or blood in the urine, and a burning sensation with urination.
[5][6] Malakoplakia can lead to
kidney failure. It may affect one or both kidneys and often appears as a mass or
tumor which can be misdiagnosed as renal
cancer.
[5][7]
Last updated: 8/17/2016
What are the signs and symptoms of megalocytic interstitial nephritis?
Symptoms of generalized megalocytic interstitial nephritis may include
blood in the urine,
fever, increased or
decreased urine output,
mental status changes (
drowsiness,
confusion,
coma),
nausea,
vomiting,
rash,
swelling of the body, and
weight gain (from retaining fluid).
[2]
Last updated: 8/18/2016
What causes malakoplakia?
The cause of malakoplakia is unknown, but is thought to be associated with
immunodeficiency or autoimmune disorders, such as
hypogammaglobinlinemia, therapies that suppress the immune system, cancer, a chronic debilitating disorder,
rheumatoid arthritis, and
AIDS.
[5]
Last updated: 8/17/2016
Are malakoplakia of the kidney and megalocytic interstitial nephritis related?
There is no clear clinical distinction between megalocytic interstitial nephritis and malakoplakia. Some researchers suspect that megalocytic interstitial nephritis might be an early stage of malakoplakia or might represent a variation of malakoplakia. Some studies indicate that a
kidney biopsy can be useful in differentiating malakoplakia, megalocytic interstitial nephritis, and
xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. All three of these conditions are chronic inflammatory disorders with similar clinical signs and symptoms.
[1]
Last updated: 8/18/2016
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GARD Information Specialist
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