# Ureter and bladder malakoplakia: a case report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of ureter and bladder malakoplakia in a 60-year-old woman, which was initially mistaken for cancer.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting a rare presentation of malakoplakia involving both the ureter and bladder with renal failure.

## Key findings

- Computed tomography and MRI showed thickened ureteral and bladder walls with intraluminal masses.
- Histopathology confirmed malakoplakia through the presence of Michaelis–Gutmann bodies.
- The case highlights the importance of distinguishing malakoplakia from urothelial carcinoma.

## Abstract

Malakoplakia (MP) is a rare granulomatous inflammation that primarily affects the urinary system and has a characteristic histological appearance. We report a case of ureteral and bladder MP associated with renal failure that clinically mimicked urothelial carcinoma. A 60-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a one-year history of left flank pain. Computed tomography urography (CTU) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed asymmetric thickening of the left ureteral and bladder walls, along with polypoid, contrast-enhancing intraluminal masses. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological evaluation, which demonstrated the pathognomonic Michaelis–Gutmann bodies.