Percutaneous nephrostomy in the management of renal candidiasis

O. Ortiz and W. J. Lee
Department of Radiology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11042.

A case of Candida infection of the kidney was successfully managed by percutaneous means. This case demonstrates that percutaneous nephrostomy is a simple, effective technique not only for drainage, extraction of fungus balls, and irrigation with amphotericin B, but also for examining the renal collecting system and obtaining urine samples for diagnostic culture verification. Because of the toxicity of antifungal drugs, the incorporation of this percutaneous technique into standard management will benefit the patient with a life-threatening renal fungal infection.