Emphysematous Cystitis: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare complication of lower urinary tract infection whose prognosis is conditioned by the delay in treatment. The predisposition of diabetic patients to urinary infections caused by gas-producing bacteria is considered one of the most common factors in the occurrence of emphysematous cystitis. The currently recommended diagnostic test is CT scanning, which has definite value in assessing gas accumulation in the bladder wall and lumen. The authors report the observations of two patients aged 68 and 80 who were treated for emphysematous cystitis complicating diabetes mellitus. The evolution was favorable under treatment with antibiotic therapy, insulin therapy and bladder drainage.

Fatal systemic emphysematous infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae:A case report

BACKGROUND Systemic emphysematous infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae)is a rare but severe infection which can be lethal if the diagnosis is delayed.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of systemic emphysematous infection via hematogenous dissemination from a liver abscess caused by K.pneumoniae,complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,septic shock,bacteremia,emphysematous cystitis,prostate and left seminal vesicle abscesses in a diabetic patient.The patient simultaneously presented with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum secondary to rupture of the emphysematous liver abscess.His condition after admission deteriorated rapidly and he died within a short period.This disease is a great challenge for the clinician as K.pneumoniae can cause multifocal emphysematous infections and fulminant septic shock.Pneumoperitoneum following spontaneous rupture of the liver abscess can result in intra-abdominal sepsis that further increases mortality rate.Moreover,appropriate site-specific intervention and adequate drainage of numerous emphysematous liver lesions are difficult.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis followed by efficient antibiotic therapy and surgical management are essential for systemic emphysematous infection.

Emphysematous cholecystitis with massive gas in the abdominal cavity

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare variant of acute cholecystitis with a high mortality rate.The combination of emphysematous cholecystitis and pneumoperitoneum is also rare.We herein describe a case of emphysematous cholecystitis with massive gas in the abdominal cavity.A 77-year-old male presented with epigastric pain and lassitude lasting for one week.A computed tomography scan demonstrated massive gas in the abdominal cavity.Gas was also detectable inside the gallbladder.Massive ascites as well as a pleural effusion were also detected.Under the diagnosis of perforation of the digestive tract,we performed emergency surgery.Beyond our expectations,the perforation site was not in the alimentary tract,but rather in the gallbladder.We then diagnosed the patient with emphysematous cholecystitis with perforation,and performed cholecystectomy.A pathological examination of the resected gallbladder revealed necrosis in the mucosa and thinning of the wall.Cultures of the ascites detected Clostridium perfringens,a gas-producing microorganism.

Emphysematous cholecystitis associated with constipation: A case report

Constipation is one of the most common complaints in the general population, with a wide variety of causes. We present the case of a man with a four-week history of constipation who developed signs and symptoms of acute cholecystitis. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed emphysematous cholecystitis and pericholecystic inflammatory changes extending to the adjacent colon. Emergent cholecystectomy was performed, and bowel function improved after surgery. Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder might be associated with constipation in this patient.

What is the prognosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis associated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing microorganisms?

Objective:To describe the microbiological characteristics in emphysematous pyelonephritis(EPN),demonstrate the frequency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase(ESBL)microorganisms,and determine if these microorganisms are associated with the prognosis of patients with EPN.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study in patients with a diagnosis of EPN in a tertiary care hospital of the northeast region of Mexico during the period from January 2011 to January 2016.Clinical variables were analyzed to determine association with the presence of ESBL-producing microorganisms.Statistical significance was set with p<0.05.Results:A total of 63 patients were included;55(87.3%)of them were females,with a median age of 55(interquartile range:45-65)years.Conservative management was indicated in 38.1%;42.9%were treated with ureteral stent;12.7%with open or percutaneous drainage;15.8%with early nephrectomy;and 9.5%with delayed nephrectomy.Reported mortality was 13(20.6%)cases;23(36.5%)cases required admission to the intensive care unit.The most frequent microorganism isolated was Escherichia coli(n=34,53.9%).ESBL microorganisms were found in 31.7%of the population.No significant association of ESBL was found with admission to the intensive care unit,or with increased mortality.Conclusions:To our knowledge,this is the first study that evaluates ESBL microorganisms as a prognostic factor in EPN.Risk factors associated with a poor prognosis in patients with EPN have been described.The microbiological factors,specifically ESBL-producing bacteria,do not seem to influence in the prognosis of these patients.

Successful endoscopic surgery for emphysematous pyelonephritis in a non-diabetic patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A case report

BACKGROUND Emphysema pyelonephritis(EPN)is a very dangerous type of urinary tract infection.It is a lethal disease that develops rapidly and causes the patient to deteriorate rapidly,and it can easily lead to systemic infections and even sepsis.The incidence is extremely low,and it is prevalent in patients with diabetes.We here report a case of EPN in a non-diabetic patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease(ADPKD).We share the diagnosis and treatment procedure for this extremely rare condition to make this disease easier to identify and address early.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old woman presented to the emergency department of our hospital with a high fever and left back pain lasting 4 d.She had a history of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney and polycystic liver.She was diagnosed with left type I EPN and her vital signs deteriorated so quickly that she underwent an emergency operation in which a D-J tube was inserted into her left ureter on the second day after admission.Two months later,she underwent a second-stage flexible ureteroscopy and lithotripsy.Despite postoperative sepsis,she finally recovered after active symptomatic support treatment and effective anti-infective treatment.CONCLUSION Although EPN is more likely to occur in diabetic patients,for non-diabetic patients with ADPKD and upper urinary tract obstruction,the disease also causes rapid deterioration.Early and accurate diagnosis and timely removal of the obstruction by invasive means may be able to save the damaged kidney and the patient’s life.

Portal vein gas combined with pneumatosis intestinalis and emphysematous cystitis:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Portal venous gas(PVG)is a rare clinical condition usually indicative of severe disorders,including necrotizing enterocolitis,bowel ischemia,or bowel wall rupture/infarction.Pneumatosis intestinalis(PI)is a rare illness characterized by an infiltration of gas into the intestinal wall.Emphysematous cystitis(EC)is relatively rare and characterized by intramural and/or intraluminal bladder gas best depicted by cross-sectional imaging.Our study reports a rare case coexistence of PVG presenting with PI and EC.CASE SUMMARY An 86-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room due to the progressive aggravation of pain because of abdominal fullness and distention,complicated with vomiting and stopping defecation for 4 d.The abdominal computed tomography(CT)plain scan indicated intestinal obstruction with ischemia changes,gas in the portal vein,left renal artery,superior mesenteric artery,superior mesenteric vein,some branch vessels,and bladder pneumatosis with air-fluid levels.Emergency surgery was conducted on the patient.Ischemic necrosis was found in the small intestine approximately 110 cm below the Treitz ligament and in the ileocecal junction and ascending colon canals.This included excision of the necrotic small intestine and right colon,fistulation of the proximal small intestine,and distal closure of the transverse colon.Subsequently,the patient displayed postoperative short bowel syndrome but had a good recovery.She received intravenous fluid infusion and enteral nutrition maintenance every other day after discharge from the community hospital.CONCLUSION Emergency surgery should be performed when CT shows signs of PVG with PI and EC along with a clinical situation strongly suggestive of bowel ischemia.

Point-of-care ultrasound for the early diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Emphysematous pyelonephritis(EPN)is a rare but fatal necrotic infection of the kidney,which usually leads to septic shock.Therefore,early diagnosis and optimized therapy are of paramount importance.In the past two decades,pointof-care ultrasound(POCUS)has been widely used in clinical practice,especially in emergency and critical care settings,and helps to rapidly identify the source of infection in sepsis.We report a rare case in which a“falls”sign on POCUS played a pivotal role in the early diagnosis of EPN.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old man presented with fever and lumbago for 3 d prior to admission.He went to the emergency room,and the initial POCUS detected gas bubbles in the hepatorenal space showing a hyperechoic focus with dirty shadowing and comet-tail artifacts.This imaging feature was like a mini waterfall.His blood and urine culture demonstrated Escherichia coli bacteremia,and EPN associated with septic shock was diagnosed.The patient did not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment and a perirenal abscess developed.He subsequently underwent computed tomography-guided percutaneous catheter drainage,and fully recovered.We also review the literature on the sonographic features of POCUS in EPN.CONCLUSION This case indicates that a“falls”sign on POCUS facilitates the rapid diagnosis of severe EPN at the bedside.

Serratia fonticola and its role as a single pathogen causing emphysematous pyelonephritis in a non-diabetic patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis has been described around the world for some decades,frequently associated with Escherichia coli and other anaerobic,gas-forming bacteria and mostly in patients living with diabetes.We present a case report of emphysematous pyelonephritis in a non-diabetic patient caused by Serratia fonticola as well as a brief literature review to draw attention to this rare pathogen as a cause of pyelonephritis.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old female presented with fever,severe pain in the right flank and changes in urinary habits.She was admitted,and emphysematous pyelonephritis was confirmed by an abdominal computerized tomography and urine cultures;the latter showed Serratia fonticola as a single pathogen.After 3 d of being treated with piperacillin/tazobactam and percutaneous drainage she became afebrile,and the gas presence reduced.CONCLUSION Emphysematous pyelonephritis infections in non-diabetic patients are rare but can be severe and life-threatening.This case suggests that Serratia fonticola infection can occur in patients undergoing invasive or instrumented procedures.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis:Six case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND 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.CASE SUMMARY 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.CONCLUSION We conclude that EPN is a potentially fatal illness.A positive outcome necessitates early detection.Therapeutic measures should be implemented as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Step-up approach in emphysematous hepatitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Emphysematous hepatitis(EH)is a rare,rapidly progressive fulminant gasforming infection of the liver parenchyma.It is often fatal and mostly affects diabetes patients.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of EH successfully managed by a step-up approach consisting of aggressive hemodynamic support,intravenous antibiotics,and percutaneous drainage,ultimately followed by laparoscopic deroofing.Of 11 documented cases worldwide,only 1 of the patients survived,treated by urgent laparotomy and surgical debridement.CONCLUSION EH is a life-threatening infection.Its high mortality rate makes timely diagnosis essential,in order to navigate treatment accordingly.

Unusual case of emphysematous cystitis mimicking intestinal perforation:A case report

BACKGROUND Emphysematous cystitis(EC)is a bladder condition commonly caused by gasgenerating bacterial infections.Factors that increase the risk for developing this condition include female gender,age≥60 years,and diabetes mellitus,glycosuria,and urinary stasis.The symptoms of EC often lack specificity,making diagnostic imaging techniques crucial for accurate identification of the condition.CASE SUMMARY This report presents an unusual case of EC that mimicked intestinal perforation.While it was initially challenging to differentiate between intestinal perforation and EC on admission,the patient managed to avoid unnecessary surgery and made a good recovery solely through antibiotic treatment.CONCLUSION Successful treatment of the patient described herein highlights the importance of accurately diagnosing EC,which can be difficult to differentiate from intestinal perforation.

Emphysematous thrombophlebitis caused by a misplaced central venous catheter: A case report

BACKGROUND Central venous catheters(CVCs)often cause life-threatening complications,especially CVC-related bloodstream infection(CVC-BSI)and catheter-related thrombosis(CRT).Here,we report an unusual case of misplaced CVC-induced emphysematous thrombophlebitis,a rare but potentially lethal form of CRT and CVC-BSI characterized by both thrombosis and gas formation.CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old male presented to the emergency room of a local hospital with sudden-onset headache and coma for 4 h.Computed tomography(CT)revealed right basal ganglia hemorrhage,so emergency decompressive craniotomy was performed and a CVC was inserted through the right subclavian vein for fluid resuscitation during anesthesia.Two days later,the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit of our hospital for further critical care.On day 9 after CVC insertion,the patient suddenly developed fever and hypotension.Point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)demonstrated thrombosis and dilatation of the right internal jugular vein(IJV)filled with thrombosis.Ultrasonography also revealed that the CVC tip had been misplaced into the IJV and was surrounded by gas bubbles,which manifested as hyperechoic lines with dirty shadowing and comet-tail artifacts.Further CT scan confirmed air bubbles surrounding the CVC in the right neck.The final diagnosis was septic emphysematous thrombophlebitis induced by a misplaced CVC and ensuing septic shock.The responsible CVC was removed immediately.The patient received fluid resuscitation,intravenous noradrenaline,and a 10-d ultra-broad spectrum antibiotic treatment to combat septic shock.Both CVC and peripheral venous blood cultures yielded methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus cohnii.The patient was gradually weaned off vasopressors and the symptoms of redness and swelling in the right neck subsided within 7 d.CONCLUSION Emphysematous thrombophlebitis is a fulminant and life-threatening CVC-BSI associated with thrombosis and gas formation in the vein.A misplaced CVC may facilitate the development of emphysematous thrombophlebitis.POCUS can easily identify the artifacts produced by gas and thrombosis,facilitating rapid diagnosis at the bedside.

Ultrasound Contribution to the Diagnosis of Emphysematous Cystitis

Emphysematous cystitis is a severe urinary tract infection which threatens patients’ life. Thus, it requires early diagnosis and computed tomography (CT) is the reference medical exam used to address it. However, ultrasound, which is a non-ionizing and very accessible technique, may also contribute to diagnosis. The aim of this study was to illustrate the contribution of ultrasound to the diagnosis of emphysematous cystitis. We report three cases of emphysematous cystitis diagnosed by ultrasound. In all the cases, ultrasound identified basic signs showing presence of gas, including a hyperechoic cystic parietal thickening, repeat echoes and dirty shadow cones of intraluminal focus. Diagnostic confirmation was made in two cases through X-ray and in one case by means of computed tomography. Through simple basic signs, ultrasound directs most usefully towards an emphysematous urinary tract infection. CT enables a more accurate diagnostic work-up of lesions and differential diagnosis with vesico-digestive fistula.

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Renal Transplant Patient

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a necrotizing bacterial infection of the kidney that is caused by gas-forming organisms. We report a case of a 58-year-old man with a renal transplant who presented to the emergency room with nausea, vomiting and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. At the time of presentation, he was hemodynamically stable, and the abdominal examination was significant for tenderness over the allograft. Urinalysis was positive for large amounts of leukocyte esterase and white blood cells. He received empiric antibiotic coverage with piperacillin/tazobactam. Over the following 24 hours, the patient developed septic shock manifested by hemodynamic instability. A non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis elucidated a heterogeneous gas containing collection in the allograft. Emergent transplant nephrectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient rapidly recovered and was subsequently discharged home to commence outpatient hemodialysis. A review of the literature suggests that early recognition of the severity of EPN as manifested by hemodynamic instability dictates emergent transplant nephrectomy as the treatment of choice.

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis with Renal Calculi Treated with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) today has become the first line treatment for large renal stones. The infective complications of PCNL in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis EPN would be higher and be responsible for the increased morbidity. We retrospectively reviewed our hospital records of patients with EPN and renal stones undergoing PCNL, and assessed the outcome especially in relation to infection. Materials & Methods: The case records of all patients with EPN and renal stones having undergone PCNL at our centre were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The age, gender, presenting symptoms, features of septicemia, preoperative drainage, post-operative complications and outcome were recorded. Results: During the study period, 12 patients (eight females and four males) with a mean age of years who were diagnosed to have EPN, underwent PCNL for extraction of renal calculi. All patients were initially managed conservatively;five patients underwent cystoscopy and Double J stent insertion on the affected side and seven patients underwent PCN insertion. Six weeks later, PCNL was performed (Urine culture was negative) undercover of appropriate antibiotics and general anaesthesia. Nine patients had Class II;two patients had class IIIb and one patient had class IV complications as classified by Clavien-Dindo. All patients recovered well and post-operative x-rays showed clearance of stone in all. Conclusions: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe, viable option in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis and renal calculi follows a period of conservative treatment and effective drainage of the pelvicalyceal system by either a ureteric stent or percutaneous nephrostomy. The calculi can be effectively managed with endoscopic measures with renal preservation and a good functional outcome.

Successful Two-Stage Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer in a Patient with Contralateral Giant Emphysematous Bullae

A 67-year-old man was referred for further evaluation of an abnormal chest roentgenogram. Computed tomography showed a 40 × 30 mm mass in the left upper lobe. A giant bulla occupying about two-thirds of the right thorax was found compressing the adjacent lung parenchyma, shifting the mediastinum to the left. The mass was a primary lung cancer, clinical T2aN0M0, stage IB. Preoperative respiratory function evaluation showed poor pulmonary function, with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second of 1070 ml (29.2% of predicted). Therefore, we first performed giant bullectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. At 1 month after this operation, improvement of the forced expiratory volume in 1 second significantly to 2140 ml (80.1% of predicted) was observed. Therefore, we performed resection for the tumor. He was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course, and has remained in good condition for 6 months after the operation.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Emphysematous Cholecystitis and Cholecystocutaneous Fistula: A Rare Case Report Presentation

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare subtype of acute cholecystitis characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder wall secondary to ischemia. Typically, this is a result of cystic artery vascular compromise with a concomitant infection from gas-forming organisms such as Clostridium species, Klebsiella species, or Escherichia coli. The mortality rate of acute emphysematous cholecystitis is 15% - 20% compared with 1.4% in uncomplicated acute cholecystitis. The subsequent development of a cholecystocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between the gallbladder and the skin, is also a rare complication of gallbladder disease. We describe a case of a 77-year-old male who presented with right flank necrotizing fasciitis which developed from a cholecystocutaneous fistula secondary to emphysematous cholecystitis. Once the necrotic tissues were adequately debrided, the large open wound was treated with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWT-i) utilizing hypochlorous acid (HOCL). The wound was closed with a split-thickness skin graft.

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Black African Woman Managed with Antibiotics Alone

Introduction: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a severe, life-threatening infection of the renal parenchyma. This condition is characterized by the production of intrarenal and perinephric gas. In the world, the EPN is currently limited to case series reported. No cases have been described in black Africa. Aims: Related a first case of EPN diagnosed and treated in the University Hospital Center Sylvanus Olympio of Lomé in Togo. Observation: A 40 years old woman, with antecedent of diabetes presented pyelonephritis emphysematous class 2. She was treated successfully with antibiotic alone without using percutaneous drainage or nephrectomy. Conclusion: As reported in every case series, it was a young diabetic patient with a clinical features of acute pyelonephritis which CT scan had helped lay the EPN class 2 diagnosed. The germ was Klebsiella pneumoniae. She was treated with adapted antibiotic alone.

Emphysematous pancreatitis:Diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis

BACKGROUND Emphysematous pancreatitis(EP)is a rare,severe form of acute necrotizing pancreatitis characterized by gas in pancreatic or peripancreatic tissue,with a high mortality rate.AIM To assess the diagnosis,treatment,and outcomes of EP through a series of case studies.METHODS This case series was conducted in intensive care units at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.Patients were included if they were diagnosed with pancreatic necrosis and gas via computed tomography from June 2018 to June 2024.Patients were categorized into early and late EP groups based on the timing of the appearance of the bubble sign and into extensive and common types based on the distribution range of the bubble sign.The data recorded included sex,age,aetiology,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score,Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis score,subtype,gas distribution extent,aetiological diagnostic basis,pathogen categories,intervention measures,and prognosis.RESULTS Among the 15 patients,66.7%had a biliary aetiology and extensive type of EP,47.1%had early-onset EP,and 73.3%had confirmed aetiological evidence[6 based on bacterial culture,4 based on both routine culture and next-generation sequencing(NGS),and 1 solely based on NGS].The common pathogens were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.Six patients survived.Among the 2 patients who did not undergo percutaneous drainage or surgical treatment,1 survived.Of the 6 patients who underwent percutaneous drainage,2 survived,2 survived after subsequent surgery,and 2 died without surgery.Among the 6 patients who underwent surgery alone,5 died and 1 survived.Among the early-onset EP patients,4 survived;among the late-onset EP patients,2 survived.Among the common EP types,4 survived;among the extensive EP types,only 1 survived.CONCLUSION The mortality rate among patients with EP is considerable,and NGS enhances pathogen identification accuracy.Despite the debate on conservative vs surgical management,the STEP-UP strategy remains viable.Aggressive antimicrobial therapy,early percutaneous catheter drainage,and other minimally invasive interventions,along with delayed surgical intervention,may improve patient prognosis.