[Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a case report].

In this study, a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis has been reported in a 70-year old diabetic male with a non-functional contralateral kidney. In spite of appropriate medical treatment and surgical drainage, the outcome was negative. The case in question concerned a rare form of the disease, i.e., emphysematous pyelonephritis, a severe and necrotizing infection which is characterized by the presence of intraparenchymal gas produced by anaerobic bacteria, and the rapid development of acute sepsis or septic shock. Medical treatment alone is seldom sufficient, and surgical intervention, in most instances consisting of radical nephrectomy rather than surgical drainage, is advocated due to the extent of the necrotic lesions.