Evaluation of the Chemotherapy on Tuberculous Lesions of the Kidney

Lee, Yoon Hyung; Lee, Hak Song

Abstract

In spite of the great measure of recent success in tuberculosis withchemotherapy, it is still one of the most fundamental questions in what state ofrenal tuberculosis should be treated surgically. So as to set up a criterion onthe chemotherapy, forty-nine extirpated tuberculous kidneys were observed withmy own classification of tuberculous renal lesions. 1. The lesions were classified macroscopically and pyelographically according to the development of renal tuberculosis (1) Those with neither change of calyceo-pelvic system nor pyelographical abnormality were named Class O. representing parenchymal tubercles. (2) Those with only infiltration in the tip of papilla were named Class I, showing caliectasis or clubbing pyelographically. (3) Those with initial minor ulceration in calyceal system were named Class II, showing fuzzy irregular or moth-eaten outline pyelographically (4) Those with progressed distorted ulceration were named Class III, showing definite irregular deformity but still keeping some semblance to the original calyceal form pyelographically. (5) Those with cavitation, open or closed were named Class IV, showing irregularly outlined shadow without original anatomic form pyelographically. (6) Those with tuberculous pyonephrotic ectasis were named Class E, showing less irregularly out lined cavity shadow pyelographically. 2. Tuberculous kidneys might also be graded clinically and pyelographically with the classification of the lesions. (1) The tuberculous kidneys with early lesions,i.e. Class O, Class I and/or Class II were called minimal renal tuberculosis.(2)Those with intermediate lesions. i.e. Class III were called moderate. (3) Those with a progressed lesion, i.e. Class IV or Class E were called advanced. (4) Those with two or more lesions of Class IV and/or Class E were called far advanced. 3. The lesions belong to each Class were divided again into untreated control group and three treated groups with triple drug therapy of different durations and the macroscopical and histopathological appearances in each treated group were compared with in untreated one. 4. Macroscopically the lesions in treated kidney with remaining excretory function and without obstruction showed tendency toward clearing of caseous material in each class.5. The specific reactions in tuberculous tissue were improved histopathologically in proportion to duration of the therapy. (1) Caseous material was cleared up. (2) Epithelioid cells revealed sufficient degeneration and diminution, occasionally complete disappearing. (3) Giant cells also revealed degeneration, vacuolation and diminution, frequently complete disappearing. 6. The severity of non-specific tissue reactions in the lesions. i.e. connectivetissue reaction, parenchymal degeneration and defect, interstitial inflammation and lymphocytic infiltration was not influenced by duration of the therapy, but depended on Class of lesions at the time of therapy began. 7. The repairing reactions in the lesions were increased according as prolongation of the therapy, but there might be some variety between the different reactions. (1) Vascularization: according as the duration, but not remarkable. (2) Regeneration of epithelium: according as the duration, but only partial covering. (3) Vacuolation: significant, however, also noticed in untreated group. (4) Reducing of perifocal reaction: according as the duration, but not sufficient in the progressed lesions.8. In the more progressed tuberculous lesions, specific and non-specific tissuereactions predominsted over repairing, therefore histological healing was more delayed. 9. There were noticeable evidences of histological improving in the specimens from patients with triple drug therapy for more than three months. 10. As a result of these observations, I should like to recommend that: (1) for minimal renal tuberculosis, chemotherapy is continued; (2) for moderate, chemotherapy is tried firstly, and if the lesions are persistent or worsened surgery will be considered; (3) for advanced and far advanced, surgery including partial nephrectomy is preferable after at least three month chemotherapy.