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Report of an unusual renal tumor case: renal cholesterol granuloma, a rare condition with diagnostic implications
Report of an unusual renal tumor case: renal cholesterol granuloma, a rare condition with diagnostic implications
Miguel Salinas-Vergaray 1 
, Michel Valerio-Laureano 1 , Luis M. Peralta-Peralta 2 , Mercedes P. Bravo-Taxa 3 , Ulises Núñez-Romero 1
1 Servicio de Urología, Clínica Ricardo Palma, San Isidro, Lima, Perú; 2 Servicio de Urología, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Perú; 3 Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Perú
*Correspondence: Miguel Salinas-Vergaray. Email: dr.uro.misaver@icloud.com
Abstract
Introduction: Renal cholesterol granulomas, though rare, pose a diagnostic challenge due to their ability to mimic renal cell carcinoma, potentially leading to unnecessary nephrectomies. This case report addresses the need for improved diagnostic accuracy and a better understanding of the underlying conditions associated with renal cholesterol granulomas. Case report: A 26-year-old asymptomatic woman with an incidental magnetic resonance imaging finding a left renal tumor suggestive of a neoplastic process, underwent laparoscopic left partial nephrectomy without complications. The pathological examination revealed a cholesterol granuloma. Conclusions: Awareness of renal cholesterol granulomas as a benign mimicker of renal malignancy can help prevent unnecessary surgical interventions. Additional diagnostic modalities, such as positron emission computed tomography or pre-operative biopsy, may be beneficial in select cases. Further research is warranted to refine imaging techniques and identify specific risk factors for the development of renal cholesterol granulomas.
Keywords: Renal cholesterol granuloma. Renal mass. Hypercholesterolemia. Nephrectomy. Renal cell carcinoma.
