[Emphysematous cystitis complicated by bladder perforation: diagnosis and treatment of a rare case]

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare disease mainly encountered in poorly controlled diabetics, immunodepressed patients or patients with infravesical obstruction. The pathophysiology of this disease is characterized by the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) present in the lumen and/or bladder wall, derived from bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates. The bacteria most frequently responsible are facultative aerobes-anaerobes (Escherichia coli) and more rarely strict anaerobes (Clostridium perfringens). The authors report a case of emphysematous cystitis in a context of pelvic trauma and fracture of the pelvis, complicated by secondary bladder rupture. The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed.