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Gas-forming infections in genitourinary tract
N P Patel1, R W Lavengood, M Fernandes
1St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York.
Urology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Emphysematous pyelonephritis, often linked to diabetes and UTIs, presents with fever and flank pain. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgery for abscesses, are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma.
- Predisposing factors include diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, and ureteral obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of gas-forming infections of the genitourinary tract.
- To highlight the importance of early and aggressive medical and surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging (CT scan), and treatment outcomes.
- Analysis of patient data including symptoms, predisposing factors, and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Fever, flank pain, and palpable renal mass are common symptoms.
- CT scan is essential for identifying renal/perirenal abscesses.
- Nephrectomy resulted in zero mortality; abscess drainage carried a risk of sepsis-related death.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management are vital for gas-forming genitourinary infections.
- Surgical intervention (nephrectomy, abscess drainage) plays a critical role.
- Antibiotic therapy and relief of obstruction are key components of treatment.