Non-albicans Candida Infection as a Rare Cause of Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in an Uncontrolled Diabetic Patient: A...

The uncommon but dangerous condition known as emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) usually affects people with diabetes. This potentially fatal illness is characterized by gas-forming necrosis of the kidneys and surrounding tissues, typically brought on by urinary tract bacteria. Fungal EPN, less prevalent than bacterial EPN, has been reported in a few isolated cases. Cultures of the urine or blood often detect the infection. With an 18% fatality rate, EPN is still a serious illness despite advancements in therapy. High suspicion for EPN is critical in diabetic patients experiencing pyelonephritis. Interestingly, women with uncontrolled diabetes seem to be more susceptible. While Escherichia coli is the usual culprit, rare cases involve Candida species. This case report describes a pathogen that is rarely encountered and causes EPN. A diabetic woman in her sixties without prior hospitalizations presented with a sudden fever and excruciating abdominal pain. The patient also complained of abdominal distension with reduced urine output and breathlessness at rest. Investigations revealed left-sided EPN that was "WAN Type 1." We treated the patient according to culture sensitivity with systemic antifungals, percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), and ureteral stenting (double J stent or DJ stent). Following successful treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged. This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon causes, even in seemingly typical presentations of EPN. Our case is unique as the patient had an infection with non-albicans Candida with a complication of anuric acute kidney injury and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.