Lithium-induced nephrotoxicity complicated by left renal abscess

Case contributed by Michael P Hartung
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fever, flank pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Normal sized kidneys with numerous uniformly distributed microcysts. Larger, enhancing left renal cyst with subtle surrounding stranding.

Case Discussion

This is a typical look for microcystic disease associated with long term lithium use. The left renal abscess (treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics) helps to highlight the differences in abscess versus sterile cystic change.

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