Tubercular empyema a sequalae of emphysematous pyelonephritis with porous diaphragm syndrome and its successful management: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is a life-threatening renal disease requiring early and immediate therapy. EP resulting in tubercular empyema is unusual, with no reports to date. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 50-year-old female in sepsis diagnosed with diabetes mellitus on insulin presented with recurrent abdominal pain radiating to the left side of her back for one month and recurrent episodes of vomiting and fever for one week. Her contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP), ruptured splenic abscess, disrupted and eventrated left diaphragmatic lining, pleuroperitoneal communication, and a left empyema. Genexpert studies for pleural pus revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Her deteriorating condition required surgical intervention in the form of decortication, sterilization of the thoracic cavity, and composite mesh placement for the diaphragmatic porous syndrome. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates the rare and aggressive presentation of EP, its sequelae, and successful management with composite mesh to prevent recurrent intrathoracic infection secondary to porous diaphragm syndrome.