Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney in a puerperal woman

Abstract

Puerperal pyrexia is still rampant, especially in third world countries, and is usually due to puerperal sepsis, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infection, and breast infection. Rarely, in third world countries like India, it may be due to tuberculosis, malaria, typhoid, and so on, which are also rampant in the general population. Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney (MESTK) is a recently recognized subset of renal tumors composed mainly of smooth muscle cells in which epithelial structures are embedded. It usually occurs in middle aged and older women. In the present case report, a 36-year-old woman presented with puerperal pyrexia, possibly due to tuberculosis and with an incidental mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney causing complex ascitis and fever, which required nephrectomy that was followed by full recovery. This case report highlights the importance of keeping MESTK in mind even in younger women with asymptomatic renal mass. It also highlights the importance of keeping renal tumors in mind as a possibility and to perform proper investigations for adequate treatment and recovery.