Introduction: Megacalycosis is a rare disorder related to congenital underdevelopment of the renal papilla or structural defect of the renal calyces. Megacalycosis has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from simple variants without any significance on renal function to severe complications. Any prevention strategy is recommended yet since megacalycosis is mostly asymptomatic and usually discovered either accidentally or as result of its complications.
Case presentation: We observed megacalycosis progression in a young female with a single kidney toward progressive calyx dilatation for years, which ended in acute pyelonephritis. Conservative management, urinary drainage, and large-spectrum antibiotics were unsuccessful and nephrectomy was required.
Conclusion: This rare case and literature review add evidence to identify prognostic factors to select patients with a high risk of complications (single kidney, bilateral disease, female gender, associated genetic syndromes, vesicoureteral reflux, and contralateral renal disorder). One o more factors should activate close monitoring and prophylactic therapy if needed.
Keywords: acute pyelonephritis; dialysis; megacalycosis; solitary kidney.
© 2023 The Authors. IJU Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Urological Association.