title: Recurrent emphysematous pyelonephritis. A case report.
abstract: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an uncommon but necrotizing renal infection due to gas-forming coliform bacteria that usually occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or obstructive uropathy. Bilateral EPN is rarely seen and recurrent infection in different kidneys has never been reported in the literature. Here we present a female diabetic patient who experienced two episodes of EPN in different kidneys within 2.5 years, resulting in death eventually. We discuss the pathogenesis, incompatibility between clinical features and radiological findings of EPN, and the principle of management for this life-threatening infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan R.O.C.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Ruaan
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D004646:Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors