Review Article

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Diagnosis and Treatment

Authors: FREDERICK A. KLEIN MD, M. J. VERNON SMITH MD, PhD, C. WHITLEY VICK III MD, VOLCKER SCHNEIDER MD

Abstract

ABSTRACTEmphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare life-threatening bacterial infection usually occurring in patients with diabetes mellitus and producing gas within the renal parenchyma and/or perirenal tissue. We add four cases to the 62 previously reported in the literature. The overall mortality is 38%, with only 29% survival for those treated medically compared to 71% for those given both medical and surgical treatment. Early diagnosis with the aid of renal ultrasonography and/or computerized axial tomography and aggressive early combined medical-surgical management are emphasized.

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References