[Two cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis--considerations on the choice of treatment]

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe infection characterized by the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissues. Two cases of this disease are presented. They were the 16th and 17th case reported in Japan. Case 1 was a 63-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis. She was hospitalized for abdominal pain and anuria. Renal X-rays showed a gas shadow in and around the left kidney, but no evidence of upper urinary tract obstruction. Although hemodialysis was done, she died of heart failure. Case 2 was a 54-year-old man with diabetes mellitus was admitted with the complaint of fever and left abdominal pain. Renal X-rays showed a gas shadow in and around the left kidney but no evidence of upper urinary tract obstruction. He was treated with intensive antibiotic therapy, control of blood sugar, intravenous drips and percutaneous drainage. Clinical features improved, but deteriorated after 40 days of therapy. The gas shadow remained unchanged on CT scanning, and aortography showed the occlusion of the left renal artery. Nephrectomy was done after 50 days. Seventeen cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis in the literature including our cases are reviewed, especially the choice of the treatment is discussed.