[Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a diabetic patient. Literature review apropos of a case]

We report the history of a 65-year-old woman, diabetic for 25 years who presented progressive alteration of consciousness with hyperthermia, right upper quadrant pain and vomiting. Bacteriological and radiographic investigations, especially computerized tomography scan of the abdomen, led to the diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli. Despite a large spectrum antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage of the gas collection, the patient remained septic. An emergency nephrectomy was eventually performed. We review the characteristics of emphysematous pyelonephritis. Early diagnosis is essential because without early nephrectomy mortality rates reach 75%.