Malakoplakia mimics malignancy

Abstract

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic infectious process which very often mimics malignancy and can cause diagnostic confusion. It most commonly affects the urinary tract and Escherichia Coli is the organism most frequently implicated. The pathogenetic process is poorly defined but a diminished capacity of macrophages for lysis of bacteria is thought to be the basic disturbance and immunocompromised hosts are particularly susceptible. Definitive diagnosis of this condition is supported by the pathognomonic pathologic finding of Michaelis Gutmann bodies and xanthogranulomatous inflammation in conjunction with an appropriate clinical history, examination and imaging studies.