Emphysematous pyelonephritis and cystitis in a renal transplant recipient--computed tomographic appearance

A 35-year-old nondiabetic renal allograft recipient developed emphysematous pyelonephritis and cystitis emphysematosa necessitating graft nephrectomy. The patient received cyclosporin and prednisolone as immunosuppressive therapy. He developed the first episode of urinary tract infection one week after transplantation and another episode 3 months later. Abdominal CT scan revealed presence of gas in the graft kidney, urinary bladder, and surrounding tissues. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, his renal function deteriorated rapidly and he died on the first postoperative day.