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Emphysematous pyelitis and emphysematous pyelonephritis characterized by computerized tomography.
M E Bohlman1, B S Sweren, R Khazan
1Department of Radiology, Francis Scott Key Medical Center, Baltimore, Md 21224.
Southern Medical Journal
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Computerized tomography (CT) effectively diagnoses emphysematous pyelonephritis and pyelitis. Differentiating air location using CT impacts patient prognosis and treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis and pyelitis are rare but serious renal infections characterized by gas within the kidney or collecting system.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management, distinguishing between different gas locations.
Observation:
- Three cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis with associated perinephric emphysema were observed.
- One case of emphysematous pyelitis was also documented.
Findings:
- Computerized tomography (CT) is highly valuable in diagnosing these conditions.
- CT precisely differentiates air within the collecting system (emphysematous pyelitis), kidney parenchyma (emphysematous pyelonephritis), and perinephric space (perinephric emphysema).
Implications:
- The precise localization of air via CT has significant prognostic implications.
- CT findings guide therapeutic decisions, differentiating between medical and surgical management strategies.
- Computerized tomography is the optimal imaging modality for characterizing intrarenal and surrounding air in these conditions.