Summary:
Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a serious and often
life threatening infection of the renal and perirenal tissues.
The characteristic feature of this infection is the presence of
gas within the kidney and perinephric tissues. EPN usually
occurs in diabetic women. CT Scan is the investigation of
choice not only to establish the diagnosis but also to plan
the line of management. Renal preservation must be the aim
of management. This can be achieved to a great extent by
medical management combined with percutaneous drainage
of obstructed kidney. However nephrectomy is indicated in
life threatening infection of the kidney. Prompt diagnosis
and the timing of drainage could be the prognostic factor. A
case of EPN in a diabetic patient who was successfully
managed by nephrectomy is presented.
(J Banagladesh Coll Phys Surg 2015; 33: 91-94)