Emphysematous pyelonephritis

Abstract

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is a rare clinical condition: an acute, necrotizing infection with formation of gas in the renal parenchyma, the collecting system and/or the perirenal space. Diabetics are clearly more prone to this type of pyelonephritis. However, cases have been described of recurrent EP in non-diabetic patients with urinary obstruction. In 69 to 97% of cases, the infectious agent implied is Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The impact of this disease on the morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients is very high. Therefore, knowledge of this condition enables early diagnosis and adequate treatment, with improved patient survival.