A case of emphysematous cystitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare type of urinary tract infection that is characterized by air pockets within the bladder wall and lumen, which come from gas that is mainly produced by gram-negative bacteria, notably Escherichia coli. This infection is more common in older women with poorly controlled diabetes. An abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan is the gold standard method to make the diagnosis. The infection can be life-threatening, so prompt treatment is essential. We present a case of a 39-year-old woman with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who developed emphysematous cystitis after a bilateral adrenalectomy. The infection was diagnosed by a CT scan that revealed gas in the bladder wall. A urine culture revealed 106 colonies/mL of Klebsiella pneumoniae. After a month of treatment with intravenous antibiotics (vancomycin plus meropenem plus colistin), bladder drainage, and strict glycemic control, the patient had a good outcome.