[Emphysematous pyelonephritis complicated with diabetes mellitus: a case report]

A 46-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital due to lower right abdominal pain. Urinalysis did not show marked pyuria. Abdominal computed tomography showed an abnormal gas shadow in the right renal parenchyma. A diagnosis was made of right emphysematous pyelonephritis. Despite aggressive supportive therapy, the patient's condition worsened. Therefore, right nephrectomy was performed. The next day her general condition was markedly improved. We reviewed 122 cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis including our case in the Japanese literature, and discussed its etiology, symptomatology, choice of treatment and prognosis.