Cystitis emphysematosa caused by Candida albicans.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cystitis emphysematosa is a rare gas-producing bladder condition.
• Patients with diabetes and indwelling urinary catheters are at higher risk.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections are a common comorbidity.

Observation:

• A severe diabetic male amputee with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections and long-term Foley catheter use presented with cystitis emphysematosa.
• Diagnosis was confirmed ante mortem through laboratory cultures and histology.
• Invasive Candida albicans was identified as the causative agent.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of cystitis emphysematosa caused by Candida albicans.
• The findings highlight a novel etiology for this uncommon condition.
• Successful treatment involved addressing the underlying Candida infection.

Implications:

• This case expands the known etiologies of cystitis emphysematosa.
• Clinicians should consider fungal infections, particularly Candida, in diabetic patients with urinary issues.
• Further research may be needed to understand the specific mechanisms of Candida-induced cystitis emphysematosa.