Emphysematous pyelonephritis: clues to rapid diagnosis in the Emergency Department.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute life-threatening bacterial infection. EPN leads to rapid necrotizing destruction of the renal parenchyma and peri-renal tissue, requiring early and aggressive care to reduce morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have described the use of computed tomography scan and radiology-performed ultrasound to make the diagnosis of EPN We report a case of EPN diagnosed by bedside Emergency Department (ED) ultrasound performed by emergency physicians, allowing a more rapid diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Stone
Susan C
SC
Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Mallon
William K
WK
Childs
Jeanine M
JM
Docherty
Stephen D
SD
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007681:Kidney Papillary Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography