Acute lobar nephronia: Pitfalls and insights of an underdiagnosed urologic condition

Background: Acute lobar nephronia (ALN) is an underdiagnosed urological condition which has scarce publications available. It is described as an acute inflammatory and bacterial infection of the kidney without liquefaction, and in fact likely represents a mid-point between acute pyelonephritis and renal abscess. Patients usually present with fevers, septic shock, and occasionally abdominal and flank pain. To date there is no consensus on its optimal management. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the presentation, evaluation, multidisciplinary involvement and management, and follow-up of ALN. Method: An observational study was performed utilising four patients from our single centre urology department. Data collected included basic demographics and diagnosis and management. All four patients are presented below. Observations and comparisons were made between all patients to aid in understanding the commonality between their presentations and managements. Conclusion: ALN is an underdiagnosed condition. Its diagnosis and management is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Many patients require prolonged inpatient management and close follow-up. An underlying renal mass is always an important differential diagnosis to be considered.