ABSTRACT
A case of malakoplakia of the kidney is presented. Purified plasma membranes from the malakoplakia lesions stimulate blast transformation of the patient's autologous lymphocytes indicating the persistence of bacterial antigens which stimulate primarily thymus-derived lymphocytes. The skin test immunologic competence of the patient and the peripheral blood monocyte chemotactic response were normal. The pathologic findings and these immunologic studies are discussed in relation to xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and megalocytic interstitial nephritis and the pathogenesis of this disease.
Subject(s)
Immunocompetence , Kidney Diseases/immunology , Lymphocyte Activation , Malacoplakia/immunology , Chemotaxis, Leukocyte , Granuloma/pathology , Humans , Kidney Diseases/pathology , Malacoplakia/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Monocytes/immunology , Nephritis, Interstitial/pathology , Pyelonephritis/pathology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Xanthomatosis/pathologyABSTRACT
Postinflammatory and posttraumatic urethral strictures present a significant clinical problem. Conventional dilatation techniques are usually associated with recurrence and aggravation of the strictures. This is attributed to the mucosal and periurethral trauma associated with conventional dilatation methods. The initial results in seven patients undergoing balloon dilatation for urethral strictures are presented. The method is relatively atraumatic and painless, and better long-term results are anticipated.