Diabetic ketoacidosis complicated by emphysematous pyelonephritis: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: The management of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) includes conservative medical treatment, percutaneous drainage, and surgical resection of the involved kidney. EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is very rare, in which the clinical management of refusing surgical drainage is inexperienced. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Blood test results were consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. Urinary computed tomography scan showed multiple stones in the right kidney and lower ureter, with right hydronephrosis. Blood culture demonstrated Escherichia coli bacteremia, and EPN was diagnosed. Considering the need for a second percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the patient refused percutaneous drainage. After continuous intravenous infusion of small doses of insulin and antibiotic treatment, the ketoacidosis resolved. The patient’s temperature returned to normal and abdominal pain was alleviated, and liver and kidney functions were also back to normal. After hospital discharge, the patient underwent two percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the department of urology. CONCLUSIONS: EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis should be diagnosed as soon as possible. For patients with Class 1 and Class 2 EPN with diabetic ketoacidosis and urinary tract obstruction, if surgical drainage is refused, it is particularly important to rapidly correct diabetic ketoacidosis and intravenous use of sensitive antibiotics, so as to create conditions for follow-up percutaneous nephrolithotomy.