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[Emphysematous pyelonephritis: report of 3 cases]
Annales D'Urologie
|May 18, 2001
Summary
Emphysematous pyelonephritis, a rare gas-producing kidney infection, primarily affects diabetics. Early diagnosis via imaging and prompt treatment, including percutaneous drainage, are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe, necrotizing infection of the kidney characterized by gas formation.
- This condition predominantly affects patients with diabetes mellitus, highlighting a critical comorbidity.
Observation:
- The authors present three cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis, emphasizing the diagnostic utility of radiological imaging.
- An unusual case revealed by hematemesis illustrates the potential for infection to spread from the retroperitoneal to the mediastinal space.
Findings:
- Radiological investigations are paramount for the timely diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis.
- Infection progression can be extensive, involving multiple anatomical spaces.
Implications:
- Prognosis is strongly linked to the patient's overall health and the speed of diagnosis and intervention.
- Percutaneous drainage offers a less invasive treatment option, especially for patients with a solitary kidney or those unfit for surgery.