A New Comorbidity Accompanying Obesity: Renal Angiomyolipoma

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is an important health concern all around the world and considered in relation to a number of comorbidities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in obese patients. Method: This retrospective study included 288 obese patients, who were followed up at the Obesity Center of the University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital between 01/11/2018 and 01/02/2020. The laboratory parameters and the reports of the abdominal ultrasound scans (USG) taken when the patients first presented to our unit were all reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without renal AML based on the abdominal USG reports, and were compared in terms of serum hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), erythrocyte count (RBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and uric acid levels. Results: Of the patients, 93.05% were female and 6.94% were male. The mean age was 51.91±9.31 (21-73) years, the average body mass index (BMI) was 36.4 (30-65.19) kg/m2. Ten patients (3.47%) had renal AML found on the abdominal USG imaging reports. While the incidence of renal AML in the general population is reported to be 0.13%-0.44%, it was found 3.47% in our study with obese patients. Conclusion:The incidence of renal AML is increasing in obese patients. Associated with many comorbidities, obesity may also constitute a risk factor for renal AML. In order to determine the relationship between obesity and AML, more studies are needed with multi-centered and broader scopes.