[Bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis, a rare cause of acute renal failure]

The emphysematous pyelonephritis is a life-threatening complication of a bacterial interstitial nephritis, and it occurs mainly in diabetics. The infection with optional anaerobic microorganisms, which are able to produce gas, is supported by a reduced state of resistance, a high glucose level in the tissue in diabetic derailment and ischemia in the infected organ, for example by a kidney infarction or by an obstructive uropathy. Mostly the inflammation occurs unilateral, only in 10% of all cases both kidneys are affected. Computer tomography allows a fast diagnosis by demonstrating gas accumulation in the kidney. Surgical measures and antibiotic therapy are the principal therapeutic methods.

The example of a 55-year-old diabetic man with bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. After a fast diagnostic procedure, immediate hemodialysis in uremia and bilateral nephrectomy let the patient survive in a stable clinical condition dependent on regular dialysis treatment.