Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare and life‐threatening suppurative infection of renal parenchymal and perirenal tissues, characterized by spontaneous gas production. Although uncommon (76 cases in the literature), it occurs almost exclusively in diabetic patients (87 % of the cases). We describe a recent case of a diabetic woman with emphysematous pyelonephritis due to E. coli, successfully managed with unilateral nephrectomy. Symptoms, diagnostic approach and management are discussed and related to the previously reported series.