Nephrolithiasis by Corynebacterium urealyticum infection: Literature review and case report

Introduction: Alkaline-encrusted cystitis or pyelonephritis is a chronic inflammatory condition due to deposition of crystals usually caused by urea-splitting bacteria. Corynebacterium urealyticum (CU) is a gram-positive, ureasplitting and multi-antibiotic resistant bacillus with special tropism for the urinary tract and it is often associated with encrusted pyelocystitis. Methods and Results: Here we report the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian man with a prolonged history of renal stones who was admitted for gross hematuria associated with renal failure. A diagnosis of encrusted pyelocystitis due to CU infection was made and the patient was appropriately treated. Conclusions: At 6-month follow-up the patient was in good general conditions and asymptomatic. Signs of urinary tract infection or of renal calculosis were still detectable. © Italian Society of Nephrology 2014.