[Emphysematous cystitis]

The presence of gas in the bladder wall and/or lumen (emphysematous cystitis) is an uncommon disease entity that may be caused by infectious organisms. Diabetes and chronic urinary infection are predisposing factors. Its clinical features are unspecific and the prognosis depends on the degree of aggressiveness at presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment (bladder drainage + antibiotics) are very important in order to resolve the condition before severe sequelae are caused. We report on 75-year-old diabetic female with mild emphysematous cystitis caused by Clostridium perfringens which resolved with bladder drainage and antibiotics. The incidence, forms of presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed.