Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Cured by Antibiotics Alone: Radiologic Diagnosis

Abstract

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare necrotizing infection of the kidney with a poor prognosis. If it occurs in patients with a reduced general condition, this infection is life threatening. It is characterized by the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma, excretory cavities or peri-renal spaces. Early diagnosis is made by computed tomography. Treatment options can be medical or surgical as it happens drainage and intensive care or immediate nephrectomy in severe cases. We report a 50 years old woman with diabetes with a diagnosis of EPN whose condition improved with antimicrobial and supportive therapy, and no surgical intervention was required.