Emphysematous Pyelonephritis With Scrotal Extension: An Unusual Case Presentation

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a suppurative necrotizing form of renal infection with abscess and gas formation in the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissue. EPN with scrotal extension is rare; if not recognized and treated promptly, the clinical course can be severe and life-threatening. The most common causative organism is Escherichia coli and association with diabetes mellitus has been found in almost all cases. Prompt control of blood sugar and intravenous antibiotics are essential steps in management. Here, we report a rare form of extensive EPN extending from the right kidney to the scrotum retroperitoneally in a 47-year-old male with uncontrolled blood sugar. The patient was managed with a right percutaneous perinephric drain with right double J (DJ) stenting. His blood sugar was controlled by subcutaneous insulin. The patient was discharged on day 7 in satisfactory general condition with right percutaneous drainage and right DJ stent in situ.