Air where it’s not supposed to be

Today we talked about a 60yF (NH resident) with quadriplegia, dementia, IDDM, hx of staghorn calculus found to have emphysematous cytitis and pyelitis.

– it is a rare but severe condition with high mortality without appropriate management

– DM is a risk factor

– determine management plan and prognosis by CT classification based on extension of gas into/ beyond renal parenchyma

– based on above, management could involve percutaneous drainage or nephrectomy; with all patients getting IV antibiotics

Recognize it, prognosticate it and manage it! Link to one of the papers used.