[Emphysematous pyelonephritis. Epidemiological, clinical, biological, bacteriological, radiological, therapeutic and...

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is an uncommon, necrotizing bacterial infection of the kidney. It is a severe, life threatening affection.

To study the epidemiological, clinical, biological, bacteriological and radiological features of this affection, and to describe its therapeutic management and prognostic characteristics.

We conducted a retrospective study including 30 patients who were treated for an emphysematous pyelonephritis, in Charles Nicolle hospital department of urology, from 1987 to 2009.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis generally affects adults. It is especially favored by diabetes and urinary tract obstruction. Escherichia coli is the main causative agent. Uroscan is the key of diagnosis. It is both medical and surgical emergency; the treatment combines intensive care with appropriate antibiotics and often drainage. Nephrectomy may be necessary from the outset, or after drainage failure. Prognosis is poor, with a high mortality rate (23 %), in our series.

Management of emphysematous pyelonephritis poses real problems. This affection is still threatening, despite of advances in intensive care.