Emphysematous pyelitis and papillary necrosis

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a 30-year-old diabetic woman who developed a urinary tract infection with the rare complications of emphysematous pyelitis and papillary necrosis. Both these complications are commoner in diabetics than in non-diabetics and emphysematous pyelitis is associated with a particularly poor prognosis, necessitating urgent surgery if antibiotic treatment fails. Papillary necrosis may cause obstruction acutely which may further magnify the problem. Long-term antibiotic therapy is recommended in view of the likelihood and danger of a recurrent urinary tract infection. (AU)