Published online Apr 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i10.3268
Peer-review started: November 11, 2021
First decision: December 27, 2021
Revised: January 11, 2022
Accepted: February 20, 2022
Article in press: February 20, 2022
Published online: April 6, 2022
Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a severe acute necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues that causes the presence of gas in the renal parenchyma, collecting system, or perinephric tissue and has a poor prognosis. EPN occurs primarily in people with diabetes mellitus (DM), but can occur in those without DM when the associated renoureteral unit is obstructed.
We describe our experience with six patients who developed EPN. Five patients had DM, including one with diabetic ketoacidosis, one with multisystem involvements, including eye, lung and brain. Bilateral urolithiasis was present in one case, along with emphysematous cystitis. Unilateral kidney stones were present in one patient. One patient was an older man in poor general health. Five individuals survived and underwent surgical procedures including ureteral stent installation (Double J stent placement), percutaneous nephrostomy and perinephric abscess puncture drainage, while one died because the patient’s family chose to terminate therapy. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the microorganisms implicated.
We conclude that EPN is a potentially fatal illness. A positive outcome neces
Core Tip: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a life-threatening kidney infectious disease. The incidence is not high. We report 6 cases of different types of EPN. Once diagnosed as EPN, we should take active and effective treatment according to the patient's condition at that time, so that patients can gain the greatest benefit.