Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), a severe acute necrotizing infection, is one of the most serious types of urinary tract infections, with high rates of kidney loss and mortality. Diabetes and urinary tract obstruction are diagnosed before EPN. However, it is uncommon for EPN to occur secondary to gastrointestinal tract diseases. The present study is a case report of a 57-year-old woman who was diagnosed with EPN. Based on the patient's condition and wishes, drainage and medication were used as treatment. The patient's vital signs remained stable, clinical symptoms improved and inflammatory markers gradually decreased. However, drainage fluid did not decrease, and even fecal water-like drainage fluid appeared, which led to further investigations during treatment that resulted in a diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma. Through this case, clinical doctors can be made aware that, for patients with EPN of uncertain cause, colon lesions should also be considered.