A case of emphysematous cystitis complicated with miliary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Emphysematous cystitis occurs mostly in diabetics with poor glycemic control or in immunocompromised patients. In most cases, diabetes mellitus correlates with the occurrence of emphysematous cystitis. The risk of relapse after tuberculosis cure or treatment completion is high among patients with diabetes mellitus. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old diabetic man suffering from high fever and lower abdominal pain was admitted to the emergency ward. Due to the results of radiographic examinations, he was diagnosed with an emphysematous cystitis. Although the emphysematous cystitis improved with urinary drainage and antibiotic therapy, the high fever recurred and respiratory symptoms appeared. This patient was diagnosed with a crisis of the pulmonary tuberculosis. He was started on the antituberculosis therapy, and he recovered. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a case of emphysematous cystitis that was complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis.