Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a case report

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is a rare form of acute purulent pyelonephritis that develops as a result of the action of a gas-forming bacterial flora. A case of EP is described in a 60-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The disease was accompanied by fever and lumbar pain. The number of leukocytes in blood increased up to 17 × 109/l and C-reactive protein up to 197 mg/l. The blood glucose was 22.5 mmol/l. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed an enlarged left kidney, infiltration of the paranephric tissue of the left kidney and gas in the in the calyxes, pelvis, and throughout the ureter. The patient underwent radical nephrectomy on the left. Conservative treatment included antibacterial and infusion therapy, correction of glycemia with insulin. The patient was discharged on the 12th day of illness in satisfactory condition.