Sepsis caused by emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report

PURPOSE: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, life-threatening necrotizing renal parenchymal infection. It is most commonly reported in patients with poor glycemic control. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented to the emergency room with fever and weakness over the last few days. DIAGNOSIS: After a series of tests in the diagnostic workup, the patient was diagnosed with emphysematous pyelonephritis and sepsis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: She received conservative treatment with meropenem and symptomatic treatment, and the symptoms improved significantly. LESSONS: EPN can be reliably diagnosed using non-contrast abdominal CT imaging. The infection is most commonly caused by the Escherichia coli species, and a good curative effect can be achieved with early diagnosis and appropriate and timely treatment.