Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Complicated by Necrotising Fasciitis and Massive Pulmonary Embolus: A Regional Australian Experience

A 39-year-old female presented to a regional Australian hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. Urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MCS) on arrival revealed 500 leukocytes and eventually culture grew pansensitive E. coli. Patient was transferred to ICU for ongoing care where she remained tachycardic despite resolution of her diabetic ketoacidosis. A CT pulmonary angiogram was performed which found a right lower lobe pulmonary embolus for which therapeutic anticoagulation was commenced. However, tachycardia persisted and the patient became febrile on day three of admission. A CT abdomen pelvis was performed which revealed left-sided emphysematous pyelonephritis secondary to a large staghorn calculus. Significant subcutaneous emphysema was also found in the left flank. A general surgery review was requested and the case was discussed with the urology team located at a tertiary centre. The patient was subsequently transferred to a tertiary hospital under urology where she underwent a left nephrectomy and wound debridement. This was complicated by colonic perforation and was repaired with an omental patch with a loop ileostomy formed. Patient underwent a total of six relooks and debridements before the wound was closed with a combination of delayed primary closure and split-thickness skin graft.