More than 75% of perirenal abscesses are caused by urinary tract infections that start in the bladder, spread to the kidney, and then to the area surrounding the kidney. Other causes of perirenal abscess include urological surgery and bloodstream infection.
The most significant risk factor for perirenal abscess is the presence of kidney stones that block urinary flow and serve as a reservoir for infection, because bacteria tend to stick to the stones and antibiotics can't kill the bacteria there.
Stones are found in 20-60% of patients with perirenal abscess. Other risk factors for perirenal abscess include having an abnormal urinary tract, having had surgery on the urinary tract, trauma, and diabetes.
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