[Renal papillary necrosis in a diabetic patient]

The authors present a case of a young diabetic patient with acute symptoms of pyelonephritis. The specific and permanent antibiotic treatment was ineffective and septic condition developed complicated by renal papillary necrosis. Because of the strong flank pain extensive examinations were done with negative result. The patient's condition was improving only slowly and there was need for treatment after her discharge as well. Long-term antibiotic treatment is an effective therapy to cure this previously deadly complication. Special attention should be given to diabetic patients because of frequent urinary tract infection and increased risk of renal damage among them.